Duke linemen return to Triangle after working to restore power in Puerto Rico

A group of 35 linemen from Duke Energy who went to help restore power in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria returned to the Triangle on Thursday.

For six weeks, the group restored power to 95 percent of homes and businesses in the Ponce region.

As the linemen returned, family members were exchanging hugs and kisses.

"You just don't realize how many small things you do for each other, and the kids just really miss him being there," said Danielle Brown, the wife of a lineman.

A Duke Energy spokesperson said the terrain was incredibly difficult.

"There were places that were so devastated that, to get 20 or 30 lights back on would take a week, a week and a half," said Juan Rosado, with Duke Energy.

Puerto Rican officials now report that nearly 90 percent of the island has regained power.

"You see people jumping up and down screaming," said Caleb Hobbs, a lineman, "and counting down the seconds until you're about to close that barrel and they'd be counting down, '3, 2, 1.' It was special, really special."

Their gratitude was clear, Hobbs said.

"I mean, they were so appreciative. It's nothing like I've ever seen before," he said. "People were cooking for you every day. They'd put a roof over your head if they had to."

The trip to Puerto Rico was part of a bigger effort by Duke Energy, as personnel from operations in the Midwest, Carolinas and Florida will all take part. In total, 200 employees have headed to Puerto Rico.