Dixie Electric Membership Corporation, Hurricane Ida Response and Recovery
Greater Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Dixie Electric Membership Corporation (DEMCO)
Project Overview
Through an active pre-position emergency response contract, Royal was engaged by DEMCO—one of the largest electric cooperatives in the U.S.—to provide Hurricane Emergency Disaster Recovery Project Management and Administrative Support Services in the event of a natural disaster. Due to the devastation to infrastructure and power distribution capabilities caused by Hurricane Ida in 2021, Royal provided immediate response support, restoration support, and continues to provide grants management support to DEMCO for its recovery from Hurricane Ida.
Project Work and Royal Solutions
Within 24 hours of Hurricane Ida’s landfall in 2021, Royal mobilized emergency response operations, helping DEMCO activate emergency protective measures (including emergency base camps), initiate damage assessments, conduct debris removal and monitor activities, and support with power restoration activities.
Royal assisted DEMCO in the establishment of base camps in Baton Rouge, Greenwell Springs, Greensburg, Livingston, St. Francisville, Gonzales, and Zachary to facilitate and manage its response to Hurricane Ida and to establish emergency protective measures following the hurricane. Emergency services included logistical planning and support; lodging and sleeping accommodations and associated necessities; commissaries and meal halls; portable lavatories and showers; daily laundry and services; trailers for personnel; lighted parking lots with 24-hour security; transportation between satellite parking and base camps; tire and other repair services; fuel and fleet services; and other critical services for up to 1,200 linemen and associated personnel. Further, Royal procured and monitored all debris removal activities from DEMCO’s vast service area, which resulted in the retrieval and disposal of electrical infrastructure, including poles, line, and transformers. Royal also provided support for all restoration activities required to restore power to DEMCO’s 120,000-plus members.
Royal also prepared an update to DEMCO’s Emergency Response Plan (ERP), which provides the current framework for pre-storm action items, storm response, and recovery activities. The ERP outlines appropriate processes for all natural-disaster-related activities with a focus on expediting recovery efforts under FEMA’s PA Grant process.