Duke Energy Florida announces estimated times of restoration will be issued for customers impacted by Hurricane Milton by tomorrow afternoon

Core Points - Duke Energy Florida is set to provide estimated times of restoration for customers affected by Hurricane Milton on October 11, 2024, less than 24 hours after the storm made landfall [1][2] - The company emphasizes the importance of restoring power safely and quickly, prioritizing public health and safety facilities while considering the impact on the largest number of customers [2] - Customers with extensive damage or flooding may experience longer restoration times and should prepare for potential extended outages [2] Restoration Process - Power cannot be restored to homes or businesses that have been flooded until a licensed electrician inspects the electrical system [3] - Homeowners are responsible for contacting an electrician if the meter box is detached from their property, and may need to obtain verification from local authorities before service can be reconnected [4][9] - Duke Energy advises customers to report power outages through various channels, including their website, mobile app, text messaging, and an automated phone system [8] Safety Precautions - Duke Energy warns customers to stay away from downed power lines, treating all power lines and anything in contact with them as energized and dangerous [5] - In case of a downed power line across a vehicle, individuals should remain inside the vehicle unless there is an immediate life-threatening situation [6] - Customers using generators are advised to turn them off when utility crews are in the area to prevent dangerous electrical feedback [7] Company Overview - Duke Energy Florida owns 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity, serving 2 million customers across a 13,000-square-mile area in Florida [10] - Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company, serves 8.4 million customers across multiple states and collectively owns 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity [11] - The company is committed to a clean energy transition, aiming for net-zero methane emissions by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, while investing in grid upgrades and cleaner energy sources [12]