North Fort Myers, FL, October 6, 2024 – LCEC is monitoring Milton and is prepping for an impact to our region. LCEC has activated a well-practiced restoration plan to prepare to reenergize members as quickly and safely as possible. LCEC is currently in full storm prep mode, making comprehensive arrangements to mitigate the impact of potential power outages. Key tactics include:
- Securing out-of-state line contractors and vegetation crews available to work alongside LCEC crews, local contract crews, and support teams.
- Continue to collaborate closely with Florida Electric Cooperatives Association (FECA), the Federal Department of Emergency Management (FDEM), and local emergency operations centers for coordinated support.
- Field personnel are on standby, ready to work around-the-clock, for quick response until power is fully restored.
- LCEC and our fuel vendor will ensure vehicles and equipment remain fully fueled and operational throughout the storm response.
- More than 450 LCEC employees are vital to the restoration plan, playing critical roles across all operations.
What Members Can Expect:
LCEC does not disconnect power before a storm. Instead, LCEC lets nature take its course and begins restoring power once winds reach safe levels. In the case of widespread outages, LCEC follows a detailed restoration plan:
- Damage assessment and restoration of critical electric infrastructure.
- Restoration of essential services such as hospitals, law enforcement, shelters, and traffic signals.
- Restoring power to the largest number of customers.
- Reconnecting individual services, including homes that require electrical system repairs.
Member Preparedness:
LCEC advises to take the following steps to prepare for potential power outages:
- Secure anything outside around the home that could become airborne.
- Ensure you have a battery-powered radio with fresh batteries for important news and information.
- Safely operate any generators if planning to use one during an outage.
- Review the LCEC Hurricane Guide for more information and storm preparedness tips by visiting the LCEC Storm Center at https://www.lcec.net/reliability/storm-center.