We Energies workers from Wisconsin extending relief efforts in Puerto Rico

 

PUERTO RICO (CBS 58) -- We Energies workers from Wisconsin are extending their restoration efforts in Puerto Rico.

51 employees have agreed to stay an additional two weeks past the six weeks that they've already been there.

Power has been restored to about 71% of customers on the island since Hurricane Maria made landfall in September.

Crews are working 16 hour days, rebuilding power lines and circuits.

"The devastation itself in the areas we're working is just far worse than a lot of the pictures and what I expected when I got down here. So, definitely worse than what I expected," said field supervisor Peter Klafka.

Klafka says the biggest challenges have been the language barrier and difficult driving conditions. 

The roads are narrow and congested which make it tough to navigate with big trucks but they say the people of Puerto Rico have been incredibly accommodating, welcoming, and friendly.