In a recent government briefing, officials emphasized the urgent need for power restoration and debris removal following a devastating storm that left over 3 million people without electricity. The storm, referred to as Milton, has prompted a massive response from the energy sector, with 50,000 power line workers from 43 states and Canada mobilizing to assist in recovery efforts. So far, these crews have successfully restored power to 1 million residents.

During the meeting, officials expressed gratitude to the CEOs of public and private electric utilities for their commitment to sending restoration crews into communities outside their service areas, highlighting a spirit of mutual assistance likened to a \"mini NATO.\" This collaborative effort underscores the dedication of workers who are risking their safety to restore power in challenging conditions.

The briefing also touched on the importance of critical infrastructure investments aimed at strengthening the electric grid against extreme weather events. The administration has been focusing on innovative technologies, such as replacing wooden power poles with more resilient materials and exploring the benefits of underground power lines, despite the higher costs associated with such projects.

Officials reiterated their commitment to prioritizing recovery efforts until all affected residents are reconnected, emphasizing the need for continued investment in infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of climate change and enhance the resilience of the power grid.