TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Westar Energy is joining the response to Hurricane Sandy.
Westar crews take off Saturday morning for Pennsylvania, where they'll assist with power restoration efforts once the storm passes. Sandy is expected to strike late Monday or early Tuesday, packing strong winds, heavy rains and possibly even snow.
Westar is sending 44 linemen, supervisors, safety and support personnel to assist. Employees from the Topeka, Manhattan, Arkansas City, Wichita, Emporia, Humboldt, Shawnee and Lawrence offices are all part of the crew.
Westar will be assigned to help UGI Utilities in Pennsylvania. In all, East Coast utilities have requested more than 17,000 personnel to help restore power in the wake of the storm.
Westar belongs to a mutual assistance group, where utility contractors call on each other for help following significant events like storms.
