Recent Press Releases
EEI recognizes Alliant Energy with a 2008 Emergency Recovery Award
International award applauds company’s efforts in response to June flooding
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – March 11, 2009 – The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) presented Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL), a subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corporation (NYSE: LNT), with a 2008 Emergency Recovery Award in Washington, DC, today during the EEI CEO Conference and Board Meeting. The award recognizes IPL’s exemplary effort in recovering from the massive flood that struck the company’s Iowa service territory this past June.
“I am delighted to accept this award and could not be prouder of our employees and their response to the adversity created by the flood of 2008,” said Bill Harvey, President, Chairman and CEO of Alliant Energy. “This was a true team effort that included employees, mutual assistance and contract crews, as well as state and local government.”
The flood was the most devastating natural disaster ever to hit IPL’s Iowa service territory. Flood waters in Cedar Rapids crested at 31.5 feet, submerging power lines and damaging substations and power plants. Within two days, crews restored power to more than 75 percent of the 42,000 affected customers. The restoration effort occurred in the midst of a major relocation of IPL employees who had been displaced by the flood. Affected facilities included the corporate headquarters, operations center, distribution dispatch center and two power plants.
“The loss of key corporate, operations, and generation facilities in Cedar Rapids was a significant challenge,” said Tom Aller, President of IPL. “In a matter of hours, we had gone through three contingency plans. Despite the effects on our company, we knew the overall recovery effort could not begin until power was restored, so that was our first priority.”
“IPL did not miss one beat in restoring power to its customers, even after losing their corporate facility to the devastating flood,” said EEI President Thomas R. Kuhn. “The company’s accomplishments are a testament to the unrelenting drive our industry exhibits year-in and year-out in restoring power after devastating natural disasters.”
The EEI Emergency Recovery Award honors electric utilities for their outstanding efforts to restore electric service following major storms or other natural events. It is presented annually to U.S. and foreign-based member companies to recognize outstanding efforts in restoring disrupted electric service. Winners are chosen by a panel of judges following a national and international nomination process, and awards are presented during EEI's winter CEO meetings held every March.
Media Contact: Nancy Craig (319) 786-4788