News

Actions

Huge power restoration efforts under way in Southwest Florida

Posted at 6:52 AM, Sep 13, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-13 14:04:12-04

LEE COUNTY, Fla. -- As Floridians, we rely on power for basics like air conditioning.  Now millions of Florida residents now want to know one thing: when will the power be back on?

FPL reports everyone will have power back by September 22nd, but most will have power back on sooner than that.

LCEC says that more than 500 crews and a large support team worked through the first full day of restoration Tuesday and as of Wednesday morning over 97,000 customer do have power.

That leaves just over 117,000 LCEC customers awaiting power restoration, down from 160,000 just 24 hours ago.

New linemen arrived Tuesday after a difficult trip from out of state through heavy traffic and scarce fuel supplies. They will join crews all throughout LCEC’s seven county service territory.

They ask for customers’ patience, trust, and support as they implement the restoration plan and restore power to homes and businesses.

As of 6 AM Wednesday, Florida Power & Light reports the following outages in Southwest Florida:

Collier County: 161,310 customers
Lee County: 155,470 customers
Charlotte County: 39,080 customers
Hendry County: 7,600 customers
Glades County: 2,200 customers

FPL Outage Map

LCEC Outage Map

If you see a downed line, stay away from it and call 911. If a power line contacts your car, stay in the vehicle and keep others away. Never drive over downed power lines.

Keep phone lines open for emergencies. They are aware of the outages. Assessment teams are directing repair crews once they locate damage. 

Damage to meters or other facility equipment may require repair before reconnection to the grid.

Crews may be working in your area. Slow down and give the line crews plenty of room when you see a utility warning sign. Please do not disrupt their work unless it is urgent. Rest assured they are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore your power.

Just because you don’t see crews in your area doesn’t mean they aren’t working. They repair the source first and then follow repairs until it reaches your home.