Duke Energy Florida increases resource count to 16,000; encourages customers to take appropriate safety measures prior to Hurricane Milton's landfall

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy Florida is intensifying preparations for Hurricane Milton, increasing its resource count from 10,000 to 16,000. The company is urging its 2 million customers across Florida to take appropriate safety measures before the storm's landfall. Todd Fountain, Duke Energy Florida storm director, warns that Milton's intensity is expected to be unprecedented for the Tampa Bay area.

The company is positioning 16,000 power line technicians, vegetation workers, damage assessors, and support personnel at strategic staging sites. These locations are set up along the outside of the hurricane's projected path, ready to begin safe power restoration as soon as conditions allow.

Duke Energy Florida is providing important safety tips for customers, including having an evacuation plan, locating nearby shelters, making arrangements for pets, and ensuring all electronic devices are fully charged. Customers are advised to report power outages via text, phone, online, or through the mobile app.

Positive

• Duke Energy Florida increased its resource count from 10,000 to 16,000 for hurricane response
• The company has positioned 16,000 workers strategically to respond quickly to power outages
• Duke Energy Florida serves 2 million customers, indicating a large customer base

Negative

• Hurricane Milton's unprecedented intensity may cause significant damage and prolonged power outages
• The storm's impact could potentially affect Duke Energy Florida's operations and financial performance

Insights

Utility Infrastructure Specialist

Duke Energy Florida's preparation for Hurricane Milton demonstrates proactive crisis management. Increasing resources from 10,000 to 16,000 shows a significant scaling of emergency response capabilities. This level of preparation is important for minimizing potential outages and ensuring rapid power restoration, which is vital for maintaining customer satisfaction and limiting financial losses. The company's strategic positioning of staging sites outside the hurricane's projected path, yet close to impacted areas, indicates efficient logistical planning. While the immediate impact may involve increased operational costs, the long-term benefits of robust disaster preparedness can enhance Duke Energy's reputation and customer loyalty. Investors should note that effective handling of natural disasters can mitigate financial risks and regulatory scrutiny in the utility sector.

Risk Management Analyst

The news highlights Duke Energy's robust risk management strategy in the face of an unprecedented weather event. By mobilizing a large workforce and providing detailed safety instructions to customers, the company is demonstrating its commitment to service reliability and public safety. This proactive approach can help mitigate potential financial losses from extended outages and damage claims. However, investors should consider the increased operational costs associated with this large-scale mobilization. The long-term financial impact will depend on the actual severity of the hurricane and the efficiency of the restoration efforts. From a risk perspective, Duke Energy's preparedness may positively influence insurance premiums and regulatory assessments, potentially offsetting short-term costs. This event also underscores the growing importance of climate resilience in utility company valuations.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Oct. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy Florida continues to prepare for Hurricane Milton, increasing its resource count from 10,000 to 16,000. The company also encourages its 2 million customers across the state to take the appropriate safety measures prior to the storm's landfall.

"Hurricane Milton's intensity is expected to be unlike anything the Tampa Bay area has ever experienced before," said Todd Fountain, Duke Energy Florida storm director. "Duke Energy Florida is preparing to respond accordingly – with an army of resources at the ready – and we strongly advise our customers to use this time to protect their homes and businesses, while helping ensure their family members, friends and neighbors are safe."  

Duke Energy is convening 16,000 power line technicians, vegetation workers, damage assessors and support personnel at The Villages, Suwannee Valley Farmers Market and Richie Brothers Auction. These staging sites are positioned along the outside of Hurricane Milton's projected path, but as close to the impacted areas as possible. Crews are prepared to start safe power restoration as soon as weather and other conditions allow.

Below are important safety tips for customers:

• Have a plan to move yourself and your family – especially those with special needs.
• Find out where the nearest shelter is located and the routes to get there.
• Make arrangements for pets; emergency shelters may not let you bring your animals with you.
• Fill your automobile(s) with gas or ensure your electric vehicle is charged.
• Have a portable radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio on hand to monitor the storm's latest developments.
• Ensure all your electronic and devices are fully charged.
• Get cash or travelers checks in case banks or ATMs are not operational.
• Gather important documentation and place in waterproof container.
• If you have an emergency power source, such as a generator, learn how to use it properly.

To report a power outage, text OUT to 57801, call 800.228.8485 or report online or through the mobile app. For more safety tips, please visit duke-energy.com/StormTips. 

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 resources has Duke Energy Florida (DUK) mobilized for Hurricane Milton?

Duke Energy Florida has increased its resource count from 10,000 to 16,000 for Hurricane Milton response, including power line technicians, vegetation workers, damage assessors, and support personnel.

What safety measures is Duke Energy (DUK) recommending to customers ahead of Hurricane Milton?

Duke Energy is recommending customers have an evacuation plan, locate nearby shelters, make arrangements for pets, fill up gas tanks or charge electric vehicles, have a portable radio or TV, ensure all electronic devices are charged, get cash, gather important documents, and learn how to use emergency power sources properly.

How can Duke Energy Florida (DUK) customers report power outages during Hurricane Milton?

Duke Energy Florida customers can report power outages by texting OUT to 57801, calling 800.228.8485, reporting online, or using the mobile app.

Where has Duke Energy Florida (DUK) positioned its response teams for Hurricane Milton?

Duke Energy Florida has positioned response teams at staging sites in The Villages, Suwannee Valley Farmers Market, and Richie Brothers Auction, located along the outside of Hurricane Milton's projected path.