Albany City Manager Sharon Subadan responds to charges of refusing storm help

ALBANY — Albany City Manager Sharon Subadan responded Thursday to media reports that she had refused help from Georgia Power in the aftermath of a powerful Jan. 2 storm that left thousands in the community without power.

Dougherty County Commission Chairman Chris Cohilas told The Albany Herald on Saturday that he had collected irrefutable evidence that “city officials” had been offered the help of Georgia Power, but had refused the company’s offer to help in restoring power to city customers. Shortly after that story appeared in Sunday’s Herald, some area media outlets reported that Georgia Power’s offer was rejected by city officials.

Georgia Power spokesman Jacob Hawkins said late Thursday city officials neither asked for nor turned down the utility’s offer of help.

“We value our relationship with the city of Albany. Georgia Power offered assistance to city leaders early in the restoration process and was ready to assist at any time,” Hawkins said. “We do not have a mutual assistance agreement in place, but if the city had requested assistance, we would have responded quickly.

“There is a process for providing help in an emergency like this. The city has to make a request before we come in to help. We told them we were willing to help. They didn’t say yes and they didn’t say no. They just didn’t formally request our help.”

Subadan, who is ill and under doctor’s orders to remain in bed for the next few days, issued a statement Thursday related to claims that she’d personally refused Georgia Power’s offer of help.

The statement reads:

“Consistent with best business practices, Albany Utilities has a strategic partnership with the Electric Cities of Georgia (ECG). In the event of a natural disaster or an event that affects electric services, ECG coordinates the mutual aid function as requested by the Utility. This assistance includes the provision of manpower, equipment, apparatus, supplies and materials from ECG members and affiliates. Following this protocol provides for a timely, orderly and effective response while ensuring the safety of line workers.

“During the response to the severe storm event on January 2, 2017, ECG consistently provided assistance and responded to Albany Utilities requests. As the situation on the ground evolved, the Utility’s needs were met through ECG and other resources. Jimmy Norman, director of Utility Operations, and other operational managers made requests for additional resources and these requests were consistently furnished and supported at all times. As a result, there were over 300 line workers at the height of the utility restoration efforts with additional line workers on alert and ready to assist.

“On January 4, 2017, at 2:15 p.m. Jay Smith, Georgia Power Executive and colleague, kindly sent the following text to the City Manager: ‘I called Jimmy (Norman) this morning to see how things were going. I have also talked with our people in Atlanta. They talked to Electric Cities and offered our help if needed. Good Luck — Jay.’

“While immediate power restoration efforts were coordinated through our ECG partners, the city values our relationship with Georgia Power. Words cannot express how appreciative the city is of assistance, offers of assistance, and the organizations that have come to our aid without hesitation.”

Hawkins offered a timeline of Georgia Power’s involvement in the local storm recovery:

— Georgia Power restored service to all 7,200 of its customers impacted by the storm by Wednesday, Jan. 4.

— On the 4th, Georgia Power informed Norman that it was “ready to help at any time at their request.”

— The city never requested Georgia Power’s help.

— On Jan. 11, Georgia Power was asked by Subadan how their crews could be engaged if needed.

— Also on Jan. 11, Cohilas requested that Georgia Power do an assessment on the use of local assets. Georgia Power officials concluded that the (initial) power restoration in the city could be completed by Jan. 12, a date that had been put forth by “an assistant city manager” (presumably Phil Roberson).

Subadan spoke briefly with The Herald after sending the release, saying, “I don’t know why any responsible news outlet would publish slanderous material without confirming its accuracy.”

The Herald also received, through an Open Records request, a letter from ECG President/CEO John Giles to Mayor Dorothy Hubbard outlining the mutual aid agreement the organization has with its member city.

Giles wrote:

“Dear Mayor Hubbard;

“Thousands of the city of Albany’s area residents were impacted last week by the devastating storms that ripped through their community. More than 250 linemen representing Electric Cities of Georgia members were deployed under the existing Mutual Aid Agreement relationship between the city of Albany and the other 51 members of ECG. ECG members began their deployment in the early hours of January 3rd and continued services through January 13th.

“… The 32-square-mile impacted area within the city of Albany’s electric customer area was expressed to me as the greatest storm devastation (member linemen) have ever encountered. Over 256 broken electric poles and 170 electric transformers were destroyed.

“… ECG thanks the linemen and tree crew experts from our ECG members that responded to the city of Albany requests and in addition, those on standby and on alert if needed. This was a perfect example of how ECG communities work together and support each other in times of crisis. …”

“I also especially want to thank the Albany community for the appreciation shown our responding city crews. The support received from restaurants, hotels and local citizens was tremendous and heartwarming.”