Let’s see if these numbers make sense…
I work in Electric Distribution (not transmission), so we make less but the work rules in a storm are largely the same. I’m assuming a 7 day week on storm duty… (7-16 hour day. 1.5x pay Mon-Sat. 2x pay Sunday. 1x pay for off hours)
Let’s give this guy $100 an hour, regular pay.
Monday thru Saturday - 16 hours @ 1.5x and 8 hours at 1x pay. 32 hours of pay equivalent = $3200 per day. $19,200 total
Sunday - 16 hours @ 2x pay and 8 hours at 1x pay. 40 hours total. $4000
Weekly total - $23,200 gross. Asssuming 70% take home after taxes and other deductions = $16,340
So that $17,000 isn’t out of the question… if you’re working a full week under storm conditions. That is exceptionally rare. MAYBE one week a year.