Empire District Electric honored for post-tornado efforts in Joplin

Joplin-based Empire District Electric Co. yesterday was honored by the Edison Electric Institute for restoration efforts following the May 22, 2011, EF-5 tornado that struck the city.

Empire District received the Emergency Recovery Award during EEI's March CEO meetings.

“In our 102-year history, this was the most devastating storm to impact our company. The work of our employees and those of the companies who came to our aid immediately following the storm was exemplary," said Martin Penning, vice president of commercial operations at Empire District, in the release. "We are proud of the work that has been done and are focused on the reconstruction that continues.

"The outpouring of help from countless groups and individuals all across the country has been extraordinary, and we are honored to be a part of it.”

The Joplin tornado left roughly 20,000 customers without power, and Empire District lost about 4,000 poles, 100 miles of line and a substation. Within 10 days, power was restored to customers who were able to receive service, though approximately 8,000 customers could not be reconnected. That number was reduced to 3,900 by August and to 1,800 by the end of the year, the release said.

According to a separate news release from the Edison Electric Institute, Empire District - with the help of Kansas City Power & Light, City Utilities of Springfield and several contractors - rebuilt a major circuit serving a large commercial area within three days, allowing the temporary location of Mercy Hospital Joplin to receive power. The former hospital facility was destroyed in the tornado.

“Our hearts go out to Empire’s workers and others in the company’s service territory who lost loved ones and neighbors. The dedication, loyalty, and determination of Empire’s workers clearly permeate the entire organization and set the highest possible standard for the industry," said Tom Kuhn, president of Edison Electric Institute, in the release.

The institute is an association of U.S. shareholder-owned electric companies, including Empire District.