Choptank’s Casey Butler Assists Jamaica in Power Grid Rebuild after Hurricane Beryl

Chief Lineman Casey Butler stepped up to serve another country in need with his skills through NRECA International.
 
Choptank Electric’s Casey Butler and eight other lineworkers from co-ops across the country traveled to Saint Elizabeth Parish in Jamaica this August after Category 4 Hurricane Beryl did significant damage on July 3 to utility lines and poles, leaving the area without power for weeks.
 
“This Parish is known for production agriculture, but the irrigation wasn’t able to run without power, leaving farmers with damaged crops and no way to water what was left,” says Casey. “Our crew was one of many from around the world that traveled to Jamaica to help restore power.

The group with NRECA International worked together from the initial planning stages after the hurricane to bring equipment and pack various gear that would be beneficial for the trip. “I packed my climbing gear, hoists and grips for our team to use, and others brought different tools to share to efficiently get the job done,” adds Casey.

In 2023, Casey traveled with NRECA International to Guatemala to connect a town with electricity for the first time. This trip to Jamaica was different because it was storm restoration, leaving short notice and unexpected conditions.
 
“We worked with the local electric utility, Jamaica Public Service (JPS), to reach their goals for restoring power to all customers. They were very welcoming and appreciative of our help, showing our crew how to use their equipment and tools to get the job done,” shares Casey. “I learned a lot from their workers and new techniques to bring back home.”
 
According to JPS President & CEO Hugh Grant, this was “a rebuilding process, not a restoration,” due to the extent of the devastation on the electrical infrastructure. Casey and the NRECA International crew helped JPS reach their goal of connecting 100% of customers back on by August 31, so they were able to return home a few days earlier than planned.
 
Casey noted that the locals were also welcoming and had tremendous pride in their country. “Despite all the damage the hurricane had caused, they were still excited to show us around and give us a great experience.”