Xcel helps to restore power in Louisiana and Texas after Hurricane Laura

Of the 250 workers being sent form Xcel, about 90 of the workers are from Minnesota and Wisconsin

LA CROSSE, Wis (WKBT) – When tragedy occurs look for the helpers.

That seems to be Xcel Energy’s motto.

Xcel is sending employees and contracting crews to areas in Texas that have been hit by Hurricane Laura.

They’re helping to restore power to the 670 thousand people currently without electricity.

Of the 250 workers being sent form Xcel, about 90 of the workers are from Minnesota and Wisconsin.

When organizations know that natural disasters are going to happen, recruiting workers to help in these areas is no problem at all.

“Those guys and girls are going to go down there and they’re gonna provide the same service to the impacted folks in Louisiana and Texas as what they provide to our customers here in our own territory. And like I said, there’s a certain amount of pride in that,” said BJ Rauckman, the Senior Director of Distribution.

The company is sending line workers along with support and safety staff.

Crews are expected to begin work this weekend and power restoration efforts are expected to last at least a couple of weeks.