Challenge
When a powerful storm swept through the service territory of a major utility in the southern U.S., hundreds of thousands were left without power. With mutual aid crews on the way, the utility faced severe supply gaps and a narrow window to act. Essential materials like cross arms, connectors, and transformers were needed fast and in large volumes.
Solution Irby organized storm kit deliveries to multiple locations, including staging yards and laydown areas near the hardest-hit zones. To avoid delays, many materials were driven directly by Irby personnel. Less than a day following the storm, over 250 pallets of supplies were mobilized from Irby warehouses and distributed among staging sites, with more on the way. Simultaneously, on-site in the “war room,” Irby’s engineers, supply chain experts, and field team worked alongside utility leadership—coordinating deliveries from across the country and offering real-time material alternatives to expedite progress. |
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In addition to standard electrical material, Irby sourced critical items like transformer spill containment bags, traffic cones, and debris containment tarps so the utility could focus on restoring power.
Result
With materials flowing in less than 24 hours after the initial request, crews maintained momentum and restored power to all impacted customers within 7 days. Irby’s rapid response ensured that crews stayed supplied, work never slowed, and no time was lost waiting on inventory. After the event, Irby helped the utility replenish depleted stock and analyze future readiness strategies.
“From the earliest moments, Irby operated with the utility as a unified front. This unfortunate natural disaster showed what partnership and support look like in motion: aligned priorities, rapid execution, and shared accountability in the face of uncertainty.”
— Korby Keeney, SVP of Sales, Irby