EnerSys Response During Hurricanes Helene and Milton: A Commitment to Community and Communication

When hurricanes Helene and Milton threatened the southeastern United States, EnerSys stood ready to support its customers and communities. As a leading provider of critical energy solutions, our mission during these storms was clear: provide uninterrupted telecommunications services essential for public safety and emergency response.

Proactive Preparedness

Under the leadership of Tom Sautto, Director of ISP PM Services, and David Justice, Regional Senior Services Manager for Critical Facilities, EnerSys implemented an extensive hurricane preparedness plan. Recognizing the vital role telecommunications play during emergencies—facilitating 9-1-1 calls, police communications, cell service, and news broadcasts—Tom and David organised their teams to deliver essential support.

In anticipation of the storms, their teams generated "Abnormal Reports" twice daily, providing updates on the storms' trajectories and necessary preparations. These reports guided decision-making and helped provide support so that critical infrastructure remained operational. 

Strategic Response

Throughout both hurricanes, EnerSys mobilised quickly, shipping generators and fuel, deploying sandbags to protect equipment, and, when necessary, renting boats and helicopters to transport essential gear to areas with severe flooding threat and other areas in need. Crews were evacuated from the immediate threat zones, while new teams were strategically positioned in southern Florida and Georgia for Hurricane Milton, maintaining a constant readiness to respond.

"Making sure critical communications lines are up and running can be crucial in a life-or-death scenario in dangerous storms like these, so we do whatever it takes," Tom noted. Due to these efforts, EnerSys successfully provided uninterrupted service to its telecommunications customers during both hurricanes, covering 100% of the areas we serve.

"I am very proud of the work our service teams have done and continue to do to support the recovery efforts in the wake of the two hurricanes in the Southeast. Our crews have worked tirelessly around the clock in adverse conditions to assist our customers with the restoration of basic services that are so critical to daily life," said Shawn O'Connell, President of Energy Systems Global.

Supporting Employees in Crisis

In addition to safeguarding, EnerSys prioritised the well-being of its employees. After the storms, the company extended financial support to 11 employees significantly impacted – 9 from Helene and 2 from Milton – by providing funds to assist with temporary housing and rebuilding efforts.

Jordan Kroeger, Senior Human Resources Business Partner, led this initiative, emphasising that ensuring the safety and well-being of our team is always our top priority.

Community Resilience

The EnerSys Tampa facility was also impacted by these storms, experiencing a brief shutdown during Milton but quickly resuming operations. After the storm, employees came together to clear debris and remove hurricane shutters, eager to bounce back. "The EnerSys Tampa team utilised experience and our set response plan to prepare for the conditions, secure the facility, and enable employees to prepare their homes as well. The communication during and immediately following the storm was integral in the ability of our employees to know what to expect, react and remain safe, and be aware of what the situation would be upon returning to work. It was a great example of the EnerSys community in action," said John Bennett, manager of the Tampa facility. "On top of that, we received daily messages and notes from EnerSys leadership and employees around the world, checking in on us, and our families. Our strong EnerSys community expands far beyond the path of any hurricane."

Investing in the Future

As we reflect on the recent challenges, EnerSys also looks forward to future growth and resilience. Plans are underway to establish a state-of-the-art lithium-ion cell production facility in Greenville, SC. This new facility, covering 500,000 square feet, is expected to create up to 500 high-quality jobs, reinforcing our dedication to the local economy and further solidifying our role as a responsible corporate citizen. With Greenville being in the path of Hurricane Helene, we emphasised our dedication to the community by contributing to the Make Greenville Greener emergency relief fund. 

Hurricanes Helene and Milton tested our resolve, but the response from EnerSys and our employees showcased the strength of our commitment to service and community. Through proactive planning, rapid response, and unwavering support for our team, we demonstrated not only our reliability as a critical service provider but also our deep-rooted dedication to the communities where we live and work. As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our mission to keep vital communication lines open and support those who rely on us during times of crisis.

This blog contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements that are not historical facts, including statements identified by words such as "believe," "plan," "seek," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "will," and similar expressions. All statements addressing operating performance, events or developments that EnerSys expects or anticipates will occur in the future, including statements relating to the number of jobs created, the likelihood of obtaining or satisfying the remaining conditions to completing the investment and gigafactory, and the benefits from developing and operating such gigafactory, are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on management's current views and assumptions regarding future events and operating performance and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties. The statements in this blog are made as of the date of this blog. EnerSys does not undertake any obligation to update or revise these statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this blog.  The foregoing factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements. For a list of other factors which could affect EnerSys' results, including earnings estimates, see EnerSys' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and "Forward-Looking Statements," set forth in EnerSys' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the financial year ended March 31, 2024. No undue reliance should be placed on any forward-looking statements.