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Power cuts currently over 680,000; more than 185,000 customers restored upstream
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10,000 workers focused on restoring Duke Energy in Florida
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Restoration may take longer for the hardest hit areas
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Ian continues to drive around Florida, knocking out power to more than 680,000 Duke Energy Florida customers so far, with further power outages likely to occur later today when the storm will leave the state.
As of 1:45 p.m. today, more than 185,000 customers in Florida have been restored.
Duke Energy Florida serves 1.9 million customers in the state. Outages are spread throughout Duke Energy territory.
“Heavy rain and high winds have resulted in widespread outages in several areas of our service territory, with some customers still being hard hit,” said Melissa Seixas, state president of Duke Energy in Florida. “We are currently investigating the damaged areas and power restoration for our Florida customers is underway. We want customers to know that we are committed to working as quickly and safely as possible to get the lights back on. We thank all of our customers for their patience. »
Duke Energy will provide an initial estimate of power restoration times for affected customers in the following areas where the storm dissipated first:
- For Pasco and Pinellas counties, estimated restaurant times will be provided later today, September 29, by 8 p.m.
- For all other storm-affected counties except the hardest hit counties, estimated restoration times will be provided tomorrow, September 30 at 10 a.m.
- For the hardest hit areas, in terms of power outages, such as Highlands, Polk, and Volusia counties, estimated recovery times will be provided tomorrow, September 30, no later than 6 p.m.
High winds and heavy rain continue to hamper the company’s ability to restore power, complete damage assessment and provide estimated recovery times in some areas.
Estimated times for restoration will indicate when we expect the majority of customers to be restored in that community – for customers who can receive electricity.
If your home or business is flooded, Duke Energy cannot reconnect power until the electrical system has been inspected by a licensed electrician. If there is any damage, an electrician will need to make the repairs and obtain verification from your local building inspection authority before power can be restored.
Almost 10,000 resources in Florida
Before the storm, Duke Energy strategically organized more than 10,000 workers – power line technicians, damage assessors and vegetation workers – across Florida.
These teams intervene where conditions permit. In many places, crews have to wait for the storm to pass before beginning restoration. Even then, the persistent rains and wind will leave behind extensive water damage and fallen trees.
Before power can be restored, crews must first assess the extent of the damage – which can sometimes take 24 hours or more – to determine what crews, equipment and supplies are needed to expedite repairs.
Crews will restore power, where possible, while conducting damage assessments.
At the start of restoration, workers may not be visible in every affected neighborhood, as the first priority is to repair major power lines and other infrastructure that will restore power to as many customers as quickly and safely. safety as possible. Click on here for more information on how Duke Energy restores power.
Keep customers informed
Customers who experience a power outage can report it as follows:
- Visit duke-energy.com on a desktop or mobile device.
- Use the Duke Energy mobile app – download the Duke Energy app from a smartphone via Apple Store or Google Play.
- Text 57801 (standard text and data rates may apply).
- Call the automated outage reporting system at 800.228.8485.
There is also an interactive breakdown map where customers can find up-to-date power outage information, including total system-wide outages and estimated times to restore.
The company will also provide regular updates to customers and communities through email, text, outbound phone calls, social media and its website, which includes power outage maps.
Security Recommendations
- Stay away from downed or sagging power lines. Consider all live lines, as well as trees, branches, fences, or anything in contact with the lines.
- If a power line falls across a car you are in, stay in the car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other life-threatening situation, do your best to get out of the car and land on both feet. Make sure no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.
- A generator can be very useful during a power outage, but remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safe and proper operation.
- Please watch for utility crews and turn off the generator when crews are in your area. The electrical charge on power lines can be dangerous for crews performing repairs.
- Run your generator outdoors. Never use it inside a building or garage.
- If rising water threatens your home – or if you evacuate your home – shut off the power at the circuit breaker panel or fuse box.
- Electric current flows easily through water, so stay away from downed power lines and wires. Do not drive over downed power lines or stand near them.
- Downed lines will be difficult to see in the rain and can potentially be hidden in standing water. If you come across large pools of standing water, stop, back up, and choose another path.
For more tips during and after the storm, visit duke-energy.com/StormTips.
For company updates, visit duke-energy.com/updates.
Duke Energy Florida
Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, has 10,300 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 1.9 million residential, commercial and industrial customers over a 13,000 square mile service area in Florida.
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is one of the largest energy holding companies in the United States. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively possess 50,000 megawatts of power capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 28,000 people.
Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy transition to meet its goals of net methane emissions from its natural gas business and at least 50% carbon reduction from power generation by 2030 and net emissions carbon emissions by 2050. Zero goals also include Scope 2 emissions and some Scope 3 emissions. zero-emission power generation such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.
Duke Energy was named to Fortune’s 2022 “World’s Most Admired Companies” list and Forbes’ “America’s Top Employers” list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains press releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy lighting features stories about people, innovations, community issues and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, instagram and Facebook.
Media contact: Audrey Stasko
Media line: 800.559.3853
Twitter: @DE_AudreyS