OPPD mutual aid crews deploying to Illinois in wake of storm that left hundreds of thousands powerless
June 12, 2026
Omaha Public Power District is sending mutual aid crews to Danville, Ill., to support restoration efforts after a fast-moving storm took out power for 220,000 customers.
The crews will support Ameren, which has about 70,000 customers without power. Ameren is based in Collinsville, Ill., and serves about 2.5 million electric customers.
Thursday’s storm brought powerful winds, uprooted large trees, and left area roads impassable.
OPPD's crew complement consists of 12 line technicians (four three-person line crews), one field supervisor, one safety specialist, and two transportation mechanics for a total of 16 employees.
“One of the strengths of our industry is the willingness to help other utilities out during times of need – and it’s a source of pride for our crews, who are always willing and ready to serve,” said Brian Kramer, senior director for Construction and Maintenance. “The relationships we build are extremely valuable when we need to restore power locally.”
OPPD also received a request from MidAmerican for Distribution support. The district supported the request by releasing OPPD’s distribution line contractor L.E. Myers. L.E. Myers provided 30 line technicians to work Thursday and Friday in Iowa.
To learn more about our mutual aid efforts, visit OPPDTheWire.com.