ROCKY MOUNT — The city’s energy resources department recently received a national commendation from the American Public Power Association for its support in electric power restoration efforts throughout last year.

 “You never know when severe weather will cause widespread outages. Our fellow public power utilities have been there for us by providing assistance in times of need. We are happy to do the same for them. That’s why mutual aid is one of the many benefits of being a public power community,” said Chris Beschler, the city’s director of energy resources.

• In August, the city sent eight lineworkers to Belhaven and 14 lineworkers to Washington to provide mutual aid assistance following Hurricane Isaias.

• In October, the city sent 13 lineworkers to Saint Martinville, Louisiana, to provide mutual aid following Hurricane Delta. Seven lineworkers also provided aid to Danville, Virginia, following Hurricane Zeta.

• In December, the city sent eight lineworkers to provide assistance in Sevierville, Tennessee, following a winter storm.

The city participates in the American Public Power Association’s Mutual Aid Network, which coordinates with utilities and authorities during widespread power outages.