Duke Energy Florida continues with power restoration; vast majority of Hurricane Milton-impacted counties to be restored by tonight
Rhea-AI Summary
Duke Energy Florida is making significant progress in power restoration following Hurricane Milton. As of 9 a.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 13, outages have decreased from over 1 million to approximately 390,000. Most affected counties are expected to have power restored by 11:59 p.m. ET tonight, while Pinellas and Pasco counties will be restored by 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Oct. 15.
Todd Fountain, Duke Energy Florida storm director, praised customers' patience and support. The company continues to work day and night to restore power as quickly as possible. However, customers with extensive damage or flooding may face extended outages. Duke Energy Florida provides multiple ways to report outages, including their website, mobile app, text messaging, and phone line.
Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, serves 2 million customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida. The parent company, Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), is executing an ambitious clean energy transition, aiming for net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050.
Positive
- Outages reduced from over 1 million to approximately 390,000
- Most affected counties expected to have power restored by tonight
- Company working day and night to restore power quickly
Negative
- Some customers may face extended outages due to extensive damage or flooding
- Pinellas and Pasco counties will have power restored later, by Tuesday night
Insights
Duke Energy Florida's rapid response to Hurricane Milton demonstrates strong operational resilience. Reducing outages from over 1 million to 390,000 in a short time frame is impressive, showcasing effective disaster preparedness and resource mobilization. The company's ability to provide specific restoration timelines for different counties indicates well-coordinated logistics and communication strategies.
The phased restoration approach, prioritizing most areas by tonight and extending to Tuesday for Pinellas and Pasco counties, reflects a strategic allocation of resources. This method likely optimizes crew efficiency and manages public expectations. However, the mention of potential extended outages for severely damaged areas suggests possible infrastructure vulnerabilities that may require long-term investment.
From an investor perspective, Duke Energy's performance during this crisis could positively impact customer satisfaction and regulatory relationships, potentially supporting future rate cases or infrastructure improvement proposals. The company's proactive communication and multiple outage reporting options also align with modern utility best practices, which could be viewed favorably by regulators and stakeholders.
Duke Energy Florida's response to Hurricane Milton showcases a well-executed emergency management plan. The company's ability to restore power to a significant portion of affected customers within days of a major hurricane demonstrates robust preparedness and resource allocation. This efficiency in disaster response can lead to reduced economic impact and faster community recovery.
The clear communication of restoration timelines for specific counties is a critical aspect of effective crisis management. It helps manage public expectations and allows businesses and residents to plan accordingly. The company's multi-channel approach to outage reporting, including mobile apps and text services, aligns with modern emergency communication best practices.
However, the mention of potential extended outages for severely damaged areas highlights the ongoing challenges faced by utilities in hardening infrastructure against extreme weather events. This could indicate a need for increased investment in grid resilience, which may have implications for future capital expenditures and regulatory discussions.
- Outages have decreased from over 1 million to approximately 390,000
Pinellas andPasco counties will be restored by end of day Tuesday
Editor's note: Visit the Duke Energy News Center for downloadable B-roll and high-resolution images.
While some customers will have their power restored earlier, those in
"Our customers' patience and support has been instrumental in our ongoing efforts to meet, and in many cases exceed, their estimated times of restoration," said Todd Fountain, Duke Energy Florida storm director. "We will continue to work day and night to get the lights back on as quickly as possible for all customers who are capable of receiving power."
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
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
When will Duke Energy Florida (DUK) restore power to most Hurricane Milton-affected counties?
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