Duke Energy Florida issues estimated times of restoration for customers impacted by Hurricane Milton

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy Florida has issued estimated times of restoration for customers affected by Hurricane Milton. With 16,000 resources working, the company expects to restore power to most customers by the following dates:

- Sunday, Oct. 13 by 11:59 p.m. for Brevard, Citrus, Hernando, Highlands, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia Counties
- Tuesday, Oct. 15 by 11:59 p.m. for Pasco and Pinellas Counties

Customers can report outages via the Duke Energy website, mobile app, text message, or phone. The company emphasizes that power will be restored within days, not weeks. Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), serves 2 million customers across a 13,000-square-mile area in Florida.

Positive

• Duke Energy Florida has mobilized 16,000 resources for power restoration
• Estimated restoration times provided for most affected counties
• Multiple channels available for customers to report outages
• Company serves 2 million customers in Florida

Negative

• Power outages affecting multiple counties due to Hurricane Milton
• Some areas may not have power restored until October 15

Insights

Utility Operations Expert

Duke Energy Florida's response to Hurricane Milton demonstrates a well-organized disaster recovery plan. The company has mobilized 16,000 resources to restore power, showing significant operational capacity. Their commitment to restore power within days, not weeks, is reassuring for customers and investors alike.

The detailed restoration timeline for different counties indicates a strategic approach to resource allocation. This level of transparency is important for maintaining customer trust and managing expectations during crisis situations. The multiple options provided for reporting outages, including digital platforms, showcase the company's investment in customer-centric technologies.

From an investor's perspective, Duke Energy's efficient response to natural disasters is a positive indicator of operational resilience. It suggests the company is well-prepared to handle unexpected challenges, which is important for maintaining long-term stability in the utility sector. However, the costs associated with such large-scale restoration efforts may impact short-term financial performance, something investors should monitor in upcoming earnings reports.

Environmental Impact Analyst

While this news focuses on immediate power restoration, it's important to consider the broader context of Duke Energy's operations. The company's ambitious clean energy transition goals, including net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050, are significant long-term commitments that align with growing environmental concerns and regulatory trends.

These goals reflect a proactive approach to addressing climate change risks, which is increasingly important for utility companies. Investors should consider how these environmental initiatives might impact future capital expenditures and operational costs. While they may require substantial investments in the short term, they could potentially lead to long-term cost savings and improved regulatory standing.

The mention of investments in grid upgrades, energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear indicates a diversified approach to achieving these goals. This strategy could help mitigate risks associated with over-reliance on any single energy source, potentially leading to more stable long-term performance.

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

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Oct. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With 16,000 resources and many crews working throughout the night, Duke Energy Florida is issuing estimated times of restoration for customers impacted by Hurricane Milton. While some customers will have their power restored earlier, the majority who can receive power are expected to be restored by the following days/times:

• Sunday, Oct. 13 by 11:59 p.m. / Brevard, Citrus, Hernando, Highlands, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia Counties
• Tuesday, Oct. 15 by 11:59 p.m. / Pasco and Pinellas Counties

"We want to alleviate our customers' concerns and reassure them that they'll have their power back on within days – not weeks," said Todd Fountain, Duke Energy Florida storm director. "We thank our team for their hard work and commitment to meeting these estimated times of restoration, our local officials and first responders for their support and our customers for their continued patience."

Customers can report power outages 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.

Additionally, 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.   

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

When will Duke Energy Florida (DUK) restore power after Hurricane Milton?

Duke Energy Florida estimates power restoration by Sunday, Oct. 13 at 11:59 p.m. for most affected counties, and by Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 11:59 p.m. for Pasco and Pinellas Counties.

How many resources has Duke Energy Florida (DUK) deployed for Hurricane Milton recovery?

Duke Energy Florida has deployed 16,000 resources to work on power restoration following Hurricane Milton.

How can customers report power outages to Duke Energy Florida (DUK)?

Customers can report outages via Duke Energy's website, mobile app, by texting OUT to 57801, or by calling 800.228.8485.

How many customers does Duke Energy Florida (DUK) serve?

Duke Energy Florida serves 2 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.