Duke Energy crews begin power restoration following Hurricane Idalia

Rhea-AI Summary

Idalia storm causes power outages for over 64,000 Duke Energy Florida customers, with more outages and damage expected. Crews are working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. Customers in hardest-hit areas should prepare for extended outages and damage. The company will provide estimated restoration times and regular updates through various communication channels.

• More than 64,000 customers without power as of 11:30 a.m., with more outages, damage expected as the storm exits Florida
• Crews respond to power outages in areas where weather conditions allow; nearly 70,000 restored so far

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Aug. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Idalia has cut power to more than 64,000 Duke Energy Florida customers so far, with more power outages and damage likely to occur as the storm continues to exit the state.

"We are committed to working as quickly and safely as possible to get the lights back on for our customers," said Todd Fountain, Duke Energy Florida storm director. "Many of our customers are still feeling Idalia's impact. We thank all the first responders and the help we've received from other utilities. Our crews will continue to restore power where it is safe to do so."

Restoring power after a massive storm can be slowed by high winds and widespread flooding. Customers in areas hardest hit by Idalia should prepare for extended power outages and extensive damage. 

The company will provide estimated power restoration times to customers once damage assessments are completed. The company also will provide regular updates to customers and communities through emails, text messages, outbound phone calls, social media and its website.

Important safety tips

• Stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging. Consider all lines energized, as well as trees, limbs, fences or anything in contact with lines.
• If a power line falls across a car that you're in, stay in the car. If you MUST exit the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that 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 the generator off when crews are in your area. The electrical load on the power lines can be hazardous for crews making repairs.
• If rising water threatens your home – or if you evacuate your home – turn off your power at the circuit breaker panel or fuse box.
• 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 damage, an electrician will need to make repairs and obtain verification from your local building inspection authority before power can be restored.
• Electric current passes easily through water, so stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires. Don't drive over – and don't stand near – downed power lines.
• Downed lines will be hard to see in the rain and can potentially be hidden in standing water. If you encounter large pools of standing water, stop, back up and choose another path.

Outage reporting

To stay informed about the status of power outages, customers should sign up for Outage Alerts. If already enrolled, ensure all contact information is accurate and up to date using the Manage Alerts link at duke-energy.com/OutageAlerts.

Customers who experience an outage during a storm can report it the following ways:

• Visit duke-energy.com on a desktop computer or mobile device.
• Use the Duke Energy mobile app – Download the Duke Energy App from a smartphone via Apple Store or Google Play.
• Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply).
• Call the automated outage reporting system at 800.228.8485.

For storm or power restoration updates, follow Duke Energy on Twitter (@DukeEnergy) and Facebook (Duke Energy) or visit dukeenergyupdates.com, available in English and Spanish.

Duke Energy Florida

Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 10,500 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 1.9 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 27,600 people.

Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company has interim carbon emission targets of at least 50% reduction from electric generation by 2030, 50% for Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 upstream and downstream emissions by 2035, and 80% from electric generation by 2040. In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear. 

Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2023 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "World's Best Employers" list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Contact: Audrey Stasko
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
Twitter: @DE_AudreyS

 

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SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

How many customers are affected by the power outages caused by the Idalia storm?

Over 64,000 Duke Energy Florida customers are affected by the power outages caused by the Idalia storm.

What is Duke Energy Florida doing to restore power?

Duke Energy Florida is working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

What should customers in the hardest-hit areas prepare for?

Customers in the hardest-hit areas should prepare for extended power outages and extensive damage.

Will the company provide estimated power restoration times to customers?

Yes, the company will provide estimated power restoration times to customers once damage assessments are completed.

How will the company provide updates to customers and communities?

The company will provide regular updates to customers and communities through emails, text messages, outbound phone calls, social media, and its website.

What safety tips should customers follow during a power outage?

Customers should stay away from fallen or sagging power lines, consider all lines energized, and avoid contact with trees, limbs, or anything in contact with lines. If a power line falls across a car, stay in the car and jump clear of the car if necessary. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when using a generator and turn it off when utility crews are in the area. If there is rising water or evacuation, turn off power at the circuit breaker panel or fuse box. After flooding, power cannot be reconnected until the electrical system is inspected and repaired by a licensed electrician. Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires, and avoid driving or standing near them in standing water.

What should customers do if they encounter large pools of standing water?

If customers encounter large pools of standing water, they should stop, back up, and choose another path as downed lines can be hidden in standing water.

How can customers report outages?

Customers can stay informed and report outages through the communication channels provided by Duke Energy Florida.