Duke Energy Florida reports approximately 850,000 power outages after Hurricane Milton hits Florida
Rhea-AI Summary
Duke Energy Florida reports approximately 850,000 power outages as of 8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, after Hurricane Milton hit Florida as a Category 3 storm overnight. The company expects outage numbers to increase as customers safely return home. Duke Energy Florida is conducting damage assessment and will begin a lengthy restoration process. Todd Fountain, Duke Energy Florida storm director, emphasized the storm's devastating intensity and urged customers to prepare for extended outages.
The company prioritizes restoring power to public health and safety facilities while considering how to restore service to the greatest number of customers safely and quickly. Duke Energy Florida reminds customers of safety tips, including staying away from downed power lines and reporting outages through various channels. The company also provides guidance for customers with property damage affecting their electrical systems.
Positive
- Duke Energy Florida has begun damage assessment and restoration process
- Company has a clear prioritization strategy for power restoration
- Multiple channels available for customers to report outages
Negative
- Approximately 850,000 power outages reported, with numbers expected to increase
- Extended outages anticipated due to storm's magnitude
- Lengthy restoration process expected
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, DUK gained 1.62%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
"Hurricane Milton barreled through our state with a devastating intensity, leaving behind a trail of destruction that we, and many Floridians, can't yet fully comprehend," said Todd Fountain, Duke Energy Florida storm director. "Our crews will continue to assess the damage to our infrastructure and equipment, which is a critical first step in the overall power restoration process. As with any storm of this magnitude, we encourage our customers to prepare for extended outages, and we thank them for their patience."
Duke Energy Florida focuses on restoring power as safely and quickly as possible and in a sequence that begins with public health and safety facilities, while also considering how to restore the greatest number of customers as safely and as soon as possible.
The company also reminds customers of the following safety tips:
- Consider all power lines – and trees, limbs or anything in contact with power lines – energized and dangerous.
- Stay away from downed power lines and areas that may be hiding lines, such as floodwater and debris.
- If a power line falls across a car that you are in, stay in the car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.
Power outages can be reported in the following 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.
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
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
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