Last night, during the Harriman City Council meeting, department heads presented their regular reports. As is customary each month, Harriman Utility Board General Manager Candace Vannasdale provided the council with an update on the recent winter storm that had knocked out power for several HUB customers over the previous weekend.

She explained that the ice storm was the primary cause of the widespread damage to the utility system. Crews had to replace several poles and brought in extra manpower from various agencies across the region, including one utility crew from Florida, to assist with restoring power, repairing lines, and replacing damaged poles. The total estimated cost to the utility was around $700,000.

Vannasdale informed the council that HUB plans to submit requests for reimbursement to FEMA and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency to cover these expenses, particularly the costs associated with the mutual aid and extra assistance. She expressed confidence that the utility should recover nearly all of the $700,000, though the application and approval process may take some time.

Finally, she extended thanks to everyone who assisted during the difficult storm recovery efforts last weekend.