HV utility workers continue power restoration efforts in Puerto Rico

<p>Months after Puerto Rico was rocked by a destructive hurricane, utility workers from the Hudson Valley are continuing to lend a hand in recovery efforts. Some 250 workers from Orange and Rockland Utilities and Con Edison are working up to 16-hour days in Puerto Rico to help restore power following Hurricane Maria. </p>

News 12 Staff

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Dec 2, 2017, 9:16 PM

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Updated 2,346 days ago

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Months after Puerto Rico was rocked by a destructive hurricane, utility workers from the Hudson Valley are continuing to lend a hand in recovery efforts.

Some 250 workers from Orange and Rockland Utilities and Con Edison are working up to 16-hour days in Puerto Rico to help restore power following Hurricane Maria.

Orange and Rockland Utilities’ General Manager of Electric Operations Orville Cocking just returned from Puerto Rico, and says that crews are basically doing the job from scratch.

"Poles are snapped, the infrastructure is on the roofs, so it's challenging to get that all," says Cocking.

About 44 percent of the island is still without power, and Puerto Rico's Power Authority estimates full restoration won't come until February.

Despites constant challenges, those involved are dedicated to the job.

"We are just thrilled to be part of that partnership to help our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico," says Cocking.