Austin Energy to assist South Texas

AUSTIN, TEXAS (KXAN) -- Austin Energy was asked by American Electric Power (AEP) to send repair crews and equipment to assist with power restoration in the San Benito area, near Harlingen, where extensive damage remains from Hurricane Dolly.

Austin Energy will be leaving for San Benito Sunday at 4 a.m. as part of a second wave of assistance to the storm-damaged areas.

Austin Energy will be sending 24 linemen, seven bucket trucks, three vehicles equipped to dig holes to set power poles called diggers, four trailers for carrying materials and five service trucks.

AEP estimates there may be as many as 500 poles that require replacing in the area.