Duke Energy Florida restores power for over 99% of customers impacted by Hurricane Milton; crews continue working to restore remaining outages
Duke Energy Florida has restored power for over 99% of customers impacted by Hurricane Milton, meeting or exceeding estimated restoration times for all counties. As of 9 a.m. on October 17, 2024, approximately 3,000 outages remain, down from over 1 million immediately after the storm. These outages are mainly in Pasco and Pinellas counties, where the most devastation occurred.
Thousands of crews continue working to complete restoration, focusing on difficult-to-access areas. Customers with extensive damage or flooding may face extended outages. Duke Energy Florida state president Melissa Seixas emphasized the company's commitment to restoring power for all customers and thanked communities for their support.
Customers can report outages through the Duke Energy website, mobile app, text, or phone. The company's Outage Map provides the most up-to-date information on power outages.
- Restored power for over 99% of customers affected by Hurricane Milton
- Met or exceeded estimated restoration times for all counties
- Reduced outages from over 1 million to approximately 3,000
- Approximately 3,000 customers still without power
- Some customers may face extended outages due to extensive damage or flooding
Insights
Duke Energy Florida's rapid restoration of power to over 99% of customers after Hurricane Milton demonstrates exceptional operational efficiency. Reducing outages from over 1 million to approximately 3,000 in a short period is a significant achievement. This swift response likely minimizes revenue loss and customer dissatisfaction, which are important for utility companies.
The company's ability to meet or exceed estimated restoration times across all affected counties showcases strong planning and execution capabilities. This performance may positively impact Duke Energy's reputation and customer retention in a competitive energy market.
However, the remaining 3,000 outages, mainly in hard-hit areas, present challenges. The need for special equipment and difficult access could lead to increased costs and potential delays. Investors should monitor how quickly these final restorations are completed, as prolonged outages could affect customer satisfaction and regulatory relationships.
Overall, this efficient response to a major hurricane demonstrates Duke Energy Florida's operational resilience and crisis management capabilities, which are valuable assets in the utility sector.
While the article doesn't provide specific financial figures, the rapid power restoration has significant financial implications for Duke Energy Florida:
- Minimized revenue loss: Swift restoration limits the duration of service interruption, potentially reducing the impact on the company's revenue.
- Cost management: Efficient restoration likely helps control emergency repair costs and overtime expenses.
- Regulatory goodwill: Meeting or exceeding restoration timelines may positively influence future rate case decisions with regulators.
- Customer retention: Satisfactory storm response can improve customer loyalty in a market where alternative energy providers are emerging.
However, investors should note potential financial risks:
- Capital expenditures: The need for grid upgrades and resilience improvements post-hurricane could lead to increased capital spending.
- Insurance implications: The extent of damage and speed of response may affect future insurance premiums and coverage terms.
Overall, the efficient response likely strengthens Duke Energy Florida's financial position and operational reputation within the larger Duke Energy
- The company met or exceeded estimated times of restoration for all counties
- Storm-related outages decreased from over 1 million to approximately 3,000
Editor's note: Visit the Duke Energy News Center for downloadable B-roll and high-resolution images.
As of 9 a.m. today, there are still approximately 3,000 outages – a considerable decrease from the over 1 million reported immediately after the storm – that are largely concentrated in
Thousands of crews will continue working diligently to complete restoration for these customers and will not stop until all remaining outages have been restored.
As lineworkers encounter damage behind homes and in other residential areas, which is often difficult to access and requires special equipment, the company may adjust estimated times of restoration, but customers can expect to receive individualized updates regularly.
"The last customer to receive power after a devastating storm like Hurricane Milton is just as important to us as the first. Rest assured, we will maintain the same level of focus and dedication we have had throughout this event until we get the lights back on for all customers," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. "Meanwhile, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to our customers and the communities we serve for their understanding and support over the last several days. We will continue to be there for you as you begin the recovery process and work to get back on your feet."
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.
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
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/duke-energy-florida-restores-power-for-over-99-of-customers-impacted-by-hurricane-milton-crews-continue-working-to-restore-remaining-outages-302279547.html
SOURCE Duke Energy
FAQ
How many customers does Duke Energy Florida (DUK) still need to restore power to after Hurricane Milton?
What percentage of customers has Duke Energy Florida (DUK) restored power to after Hurricane Milton?
How can customers report power outages to Duke Energy Florida (DUK)?
When does Duke Energy Florida (DUK) expect to complete power restoration for all customers affected by Hurricane Milton?
