Avangrid Networks Recognized with EEI Emergency Response Awards for Hurricane Helene Efforts
Avangrid, Inc., a leading U.S. energy company and a prominent member of the Iberdrola Group, has announced that several of its network companies have been honored as recipients of the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) Emergency Response Awards. The recognition was granted for the exceptional assistance provided during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The Avangrid companies recognized include Central Maine Power (CMP), New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E), as well as United Illuminating (UI).
The awards highlight Avangrid’s commitment to community support, operational excellence, and rapid disaster response. Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread power outages and infrastructure disruptions across multiple states, posed significant challenges to electric utilities. The Avangrid networks responded with coordinated efforts, demonstrating professionalism, speed, and empathy toward affected communities.
“EEI’s recognition speaks to the heart of who we are as a company,” said Avangrid CEO Jose Antonio Miranda. “In moments of crisis, our teams rise to the occasion, supporting our neighboring communities with professionalism, urgency, and compassion. I’m incredibly proud of our workforce, whose actions during the Hurricane Helene response efforts reflect the values we live by every day at Avangrid.”
The EEI Emergency Response Awards are among the most prestigious honors in the electric utility sector. They are presented twice a year to member companies that demonstrate exceptional recovery and assistance efforts in the wake of service disruptions caused by extreme weather events or other natural disasters. Winners are selected by a distinguished panel of judges through a competitive international nomination process. The awards were presented at EEI’s Fall Board of Directors and Chief Executives Meeting, which convenes leaders from across the electric utility industry to discuss trends, innovations, and challenges shaping the future of energy in the United States.
Drew Maloney, President and CEO of EEI, emphasized the critical role of mutual assistance among electric companies. “America’s electric companies and their dedicated workforces work tirelessly throughout the year to strengthen the energy grid and to restore power—and peace of mind—for American families and businesses after extreme weather events and natural disasters,” he said. “The Avangrid networks showcased true leadership when they stepped in to lend critical support to neighboring electric companies in their times of need—underscoring the importance of our industry’s mutual assistance network. These assistance awards reflect Avangrid and its storm response team’s incredible commitment to the customers and communities they serve.”
Avangrid’s response to Hurricane Helene illustrates the company’s long-standing commitment to resilience, innovation, and community service. Across its networks, teams worked around the clock to restore power, repair infrastructure, and ensure the safety of residents. CMP, NYSEG, RG&E, and UI mobilized resources and personnel to coordinate with local authorities, deploy field crews, and provide real-time communication updates to affected customers. These efforts minimized downtime, accelerated recovery, and helped stabilize local communities during a challenging period.
In addition to emergency response, Avangrid is focused on long-term investments to strengthen the electric grid and enhance energy resilience. With more than 10.5 gigawatts (GW) of generation capacity, the company is expanding its energy portfolio and investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure to support growing energy demand across the United States. In 2025, Avangrid announced plans to invest an additional $20 billion in grid modernization by 2030. These investments are aimed at enhancing system reliability, improving efficiency, and integrating advanced technologies to safeguard against increasingly frequent and severe weather events.
The company’s approach combines advanced technological solutions with strategic partnerships to address the evolving needs of the energy sector. By modernizing infrastructure and deploying cutting-edge grid management tools, Avangrid is positioning itself as a leader in America’s energy transformation. The company’s efforts not only aim to improve operational performance but also support the broader goals of sustainability, energy independence, and community resilience.
“Our teams don’t just restore power—they restore confidence,” added Miranda. “During emergencies, our priority is always the safety and well-being of the communities we serve. These awards are a reflection of the dedication, skill, and teamwork that define Avangrid’s culture. Every employee involved in the Hurricane Helene response deserves recognition for their tireless work and unwavering commitment.”
The EEI Emergency Response Awards serve as a reminder of the vital role utilities play during natural disasters. They highlight the importance of collaboration, planning, and investment in resilient energy infrastructure. By recognizing companies like Avangrid, EEI underscores the sector’s dedication to reliability, safety, and public service, setting a benchmark for excellence in disaster preparedness and response.
As communities face a future of increasingly intense storms and climate-related challenges, Avangrid continues to prioritize proactive measures to protect the grid and ensure continuity of service. Through strategic planning, technology adoption, and workforce readiness, the company aims to maintain high standards of reliability while supporting national energy goals.
