Duke Energy Florida Faces Widespread Outages After Hurricane
Duke Energy Florida is grappling with approximately 850,000 power outages after Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm. The latest reports indicate that as customers begin to return home safely, these numbers might still rise. The company is prioritizing damage assessments as weather and road conditions permit and will embark on what is expected to be a lengthy restoration process.
Storm director Todd Fountain expressed the severity of the situation, stating, "Hurricane Milton barreled through with devastating intensity, leaving a significant trail of destruction. Our teams are actively assessing the damage, which is crucial before we can restore power. We advise our customers to be prepared for extended outages, and we are grateful for their patience during this challenging time."
Restoration Process and Safety Tips
Duke Energy Florida remains dedicated to restoring power as quickly and safely as possible. The restoration efforts prioritize public health and safety facilities, taking into account the need to restore power to the greatest number of customers effectively.
Amid this crisis, the company emphasizes important safety tips for its customers:
- Always assume that power lines, as well as anything in contact with them (like trees and limbs), are energized and dangerous.
- Keep a safe distance from downed power lines and areas that might be concealing hidden lines, such as flooded areas or debris.
- If a power line falls across your vehicle, remain inside. Only exit if there's an immediate life-threatening situation, and do your best to jump clear, landing on both feet while ensuring that no part of your body touches the vehicle when your feet hit the ground.
Reporting Power Outages
Customers can report power outages through various channels:
- Visit the Duke Energy website on a desktop or mobile device.
- Use the Duke Energy mobile app, available for download on smartphones via the 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.
For individuals who cannot receive power due to damage to their property's meter base, breaker panel, or customer-owned electrical systems, contacting local authorities is recommended for guidance. Inspections may be necessary post-repair.
About Duke Energy Florida
Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, boasts an impressive 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to about 2 million customers across a service area of 13,000 square miles.
Duke Energy, trading on the NYSE under the ticker symbol DUK, is recognized as one of America’s largest energy holding companies. Serving 8.4 million customers across several states, the company collectively possesses 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity and serves 1.7 million natural gas customers. Duke Energy is committed to transitioning towards cleaner energy while maintaining reliability and affordability.
Commitment to Clean Energy
The company is working towards a comprehensive clean energy strategy focused on achieving net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas operations by 2030, and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. This transition involves substantial investments in electric grid upgrades and the expansion of cleaner energy sources, including renewables, energy storage, natural gas, and nuclear technologies.
For additional information, customers can find resources on the Duke Energy website, engage with the company via their social media platforms, or access news updates through the Duke Energy News Center.
Contact: Ana Gibbs
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of power outages in Florida?
Duke Energy Florida has reported approximately 850,000 power outages due to Hurricane Milton.
How can customers report power outages?
Customers can report outages through the Duke Energy website, mobile app, by texting, or by calling an automated system.
What safety tips should be followed during power outages?
Always treat downed lines as live, keep distance, and remain inside vehicles if a line falls across them.
What is Duke Energy's commitment to sustainability?
Duke Energy aims for net-zero methane emissions by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 through clean energy strategies.
Who can I contact for more information about outages?
For inquiries, contact Ana Gibbs at 800.559.3853 for assistance.
