U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl issued the following statement regarding a letter he sent to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell regarding supply chain shortages affecting Alabama’s electric cooperatives and municipalities. The letter was cosigned by all seven members of Alabama’s House delegation.
“Alabama is no stranger to severe weather. In the aftermath of serious storms, our local electric utility providers play a critical role in repairing and replacing damaged parts of the power grid,” Carl commented. “Unfortunately, supply chain issues have slowed down local utility providers’ ability to prepare for potential threats, leaving Alabama’s power grid more open to damage when disaster occurs.”
The letter called on FEMA to provide electric providers with the equipment needed for hurricane season. “With the high chance of an above-average 2022 hurricane season, FEMA must do its part to ensure our local electric providers have access to important equipment before the first hurricane, tropical storm, or natural disaster impacts communities in Alabama. I’m grateful to all my Alabama colleagues for joining me on this letter, and I look forward to hearing back from FEMA Director Criswell with a detailed plan,” Carl concluded.
