[maica]

The power company employees who handle those calls suffered quite a bit of stress during the last hurricane that hit this area. Many callers were obusive and impatient and gave the Customer Service people a really tough time, cursing and screaming at them. Remember...When they are on storm duty they often work around the clock with few breaks; many do not go home and even sleep there or in motels nearby. Many stayed there while their families endured problems at home without them. They are a dedicated bunch, there to help and serve the public, so they should be appreciated...not mistreated.

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Amen. I am always amazed and saddened by the displays of absolute disregard for the workers who are trying their best to make our lives resume their comfortableness (if that is a word.)

I testified at a state legislature hearing one time about the funding for our local public utility, and used the example that we want the repairmen to be there when the need happens. We want them to be available to go to other locations to help other people, eg Louisiana or Quebec when the need arises. If the company has to work with less money, because of state regulation, they may cut back on this type of employee. Not a good idea!

[ErnBatavia]

At the time of the Northridge earthquake, the neighbor was an electrician at the nearby prison; within an hour he did what was SOP - reported to work.

When he got home a few hours later, he told us that he was about the only one to show up - including the sheriff's deputies.