TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Troy Utilities is lending a helping hand to communities that have been hit by Hurricane Helene.

Hurricane Helene was a devastating blow to several communities. Recently, Troy Utilities sent eight lineman to Greenwood, South Carolina to help.

“There’s a lot of wind damage there,” said Brian Chandler, General Manager of Troy City Utilities. “Mostly trees down where it’s got power lines on the ground, broken poles, blocked roads.”

Almost two weeks after the devastation started, hundreds of thousands of people are still left without power. Chandler said restoring power lines is crews’ primary concern.

“That’s what they’re doing day in and day out for 16 plus hours a day. They’re rebuilding power lines, starting with the ones that serve the most people or critical facilities first then working out into smaller areas.”

Chandler emphasized how difficult that process can be.

“They typically start at about six in the morning and sometimes work until about eight or ten o’clock at night. Then, they go back to a hotel, shower, go to sleep, and get up and do it again the next day.”

Troy Utilities’ response was an offering of mutual aid, which is when one utility company extends support to another.

“While they’re focusing on restoration, those other state and national associations work to match crew needs from out of state or in state to those who are needing.”

If roles were reversed, Chandler said he would want someone to help his community.

“You’re helping people who are in desperate need. You’re helping them to get electricity so they can have refrigeration, air conditioning, power, lights, internet and whatever else in their home. One day, it might be us that’s calling for help.”

Troy Utilities provides mutual aid anywhere from zero to three or more times a year, depending on the need. The company has provided updates about its crew via its Facebook page.