Duke Energy Florida completes more than 99% of power restoration in Pasco County; work continues for Pinellas County customers who remain without power

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy Florida has restored power to over 99% of customers in Pasco County and other areas affected by Hurricane Milton. Storm-related outages across the company's service territory have decreased from over 1 million to approximately 30,000, mainly in Pinellas County. Crews continue working on remaining outages, often involving equipment serving fewer than 25 customers in hard-to-access areas.

Todd Fountain, Duke Energy Florida storm director, acknowledged customer frustration and assured continued efforts until all possible restorations are complete. Customers unable to receive power due to property damage should contact local municipalities for guidance. Duke Energy offers multiple ways to report outages, including their website, mobile app, text service, and phone line.

Positive

• Significant progress in power restoration, with over 99% completion in most affected areas
• Reduction of outages from over 1 million to approximately 30,000 customers
• Continued commitment to restore power to all customers who can receive it

Negative

• Approximately 30,000 customers still without power, mainly in Pinellas County
• Some customers may face extended outages due to extensive damage or flooding
• access in residential areas may slow down restoration efforts

• Storm-related outages across the company's service territory have decreased from over 1 million to approximately 30,000

Editor's note: Visit the Duke Energy News Center for downloadable B-roll and high-resolution images.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Oct. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy Florida has completed more than 99% of power restoration in Pasco County, as well as all other counties impacted by Hurricane Milton.

In total, storm-related power outages across the company's service territory have decreased from over 1 million to approximately 30,000 – now largely concentrated in Pinellas County – as of 3 p.m. this afternoon.

While these remaining outages are often associated with damage to equipment that serves less than 25 customers, thousands of crews will continue working to restore their power as quickly as possible. In many cases, these malfunctioning devices are located behind homes and in residential areas where access is limited, meaning lineworkers will have to climb poles, rather than using bucket trucks.  

"This has been a multiday restoration. All of us at Duke Energy understand the frustration of customers who remain without power," said Todd Fountain, Duke Energy Florida storm director. "As we near completion, know we will not stop until all of our customers who can receive power are restored."

Customers who will not receive power by the estimated time of restoration will receive an individualized message through Duke Energy's outage alerts via text or phone.

It is important to note that customers who experienced extensive damage or flooding may require additional time for restoration and some should be prepared for extended outages. Updates will be communicated as soon as possible.

Customers who cannot receive power as a result of damage to the property's meter base, breaker panel or customer-owned electrical wiring should contact their local municipalities for guidance. Inspections may be required after repairs are complete.   

Power outages can be reported four different ways:

• Visit duke-energy.com on a desktop computer or mobile device.
• Use the Duke Energy mobile app (download 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.

The most up-to-date information about power outages can be accessed on Duke Energy's Outage Map or by enrolling in Outage Alerts.

Duke Energy Florida
Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.  

Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. 

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition, keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear.  

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition. 

Contact: Ana Gibbs
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

 

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SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

How many customers are still without power after Hurricane Milton in Duke Energy Florida's service area?

As of 3 p.m. on October 15, 2024, approximately 30,000 customers, mainly in Pinellas County, are still without power following Hurricane Milton in Duke Energy Florida's (DUK) service area.

What percentage of power restoration has Duke Energy Florida completed in Pasco County?

Duke Energy Florida (DUK) has completed more than 99% of power restoration in Pasco County following Hurricane Milton.

How can Duke Energy Florida customers report power outages?

Duke Energy Florida (DUK) customers can report power outages through the company website, mobile app, by texting OUT to 57801, or by calling the automated outage reporting system at 800.228.8485.

What should Duke Energy Florida customers do if they have property damage preventing power restoration?

Duke Energy Florida (DUK) customers with property damage to their meter base, breaker panel, or electrical wiring should contact their local municipalities for guidance and may require inspections after repairs are completed.