Executive Summary
When a severe ice storm struck Kaukauna Utilities in April 2024, power to 6,200 customers was disrupted. Limited in their on-hand inventory, Kaukauna needed immediate access to critical materials. By leveraging their 15-year partnership with Irby, Kaukauna secured essential supplies within 14 hours of contacting the distributor. Irby’s rapid response, strong inventory, and dedicated personnel enabled full power restoration within 72 hours.
The Challenge
On the night of Tuesday, April 2nd, an ice storm caused widespread damage across Kaukauna Utilities’ 50-square-mile service area. Freezing rain and high winds snapped 14 utility poles and 32 cross-arms, leaving 6,200 homes without electricity. As crews worked, additional poles fell due to melting ice and unstable ground conditions.
While most urban customers were rerouted quickly, 200 homes remained without power. Mutual aid crews mobilized, but large quantities of pole-line hardware, cross-arms, and connectors were urgently needed for the restoration. At 4 p.m. on April 3rd, Jean Jack, Kaukauna’s Procurement and Warehouse Supervisor, contacted Irby for urgent assistance.
The Solution
Within hours, Irby provided a full inventory list from their Burnsville, MN, and Madison, WI, branches, including alternative products where necessary. Irby’s team worked late into the night to pull and package the order to ensure the fastest possible turnaround.
A loaded vehicle left that night, driven directly to Kaukauna, with additional supplies following early the next day via an Irby semi-truck.
“That’s when I could take a breath,” said Jack. “I went to sleep knowing Irby had it handled and was headed our way.”
The Results
At 5:30 a.m. on April 4—less than 14 hours after Kaukauna’s initial request—Irby delivered the needed materials, allowing crews to continue the restoration. Additional reinforcements arrived that evening. With Irby’s rapid response, Kaukauna and 26 mutual aid workers restored power to all remaining customers by Friday afternoon.
"Without Irby's support, we would have been working around the clock to pull materials from other municipalities' yards. Their commitment made an immense difference in our restoration timeline."
- Jean Jack, Kaukauna's Procurement and Warehouse Supervisor
Even after the crisis, Irby assisted Kaukauna in replenishing inventory for an upcoming project, securing 125 custom-built cross-arms within days.
Key Takeaways
Severe storms create urgent material needs that utilities may struggle to meet alone. Kaukauna’s experience highlights the value of a rapid-response partner with strong logistics and inventory capabilities. “If you want to avoid scrambling when emergencies strike, give Irby a call. It’s as simple as that,” said Jack.
For utilities, having a trusted partner in a crisis can mean the difference between prolonged outages and fast restoration. Irby’s nationwide network, robust inventory, and dedicated personnel ensure materials arrive when they’re needed most.
For dependable support to help you weather any storm, contact the Irby team today.