North Fort Myers, FL, May 28, 2025– LCEC continually hardens the electric system by proactively inspecting facilities, identifying potential problem areas, and repairing or replacing before a storm rolls in, and upgrading substations and infrastructure. Year-round investments in systems and programs are aimed at reducing vulnerabilities and building a resilient electric system. Last year alone, LCEC inspected more than 20,000 poles throughout their six-county service territory. Routine vegetation management also helps keep lines clear of trees and brush that could cause power outages. For two years, LCEC has been conducting quarterly patrols of the backbone circuits on the system. Not only does this improve resiliency, it has also helped improve reliability of the system during blue skies.
Each LCEC employee, vendor, and supplier are on deck when there is a threat of a storm. The restoration plan is practiced long before the first tracking model is published and many potential scenarios are considered. No storm is the same and there is no way to know what each situation will bring. A plan for additional resources, extra fuel, inventory and equipment, communications, fleet maintenance, and many other details are all proactively considered so that boots can be on the ground as quick as possible.
How can residents and business owners prepare?
- Develop a family or business plan.
- Practice the plan and implement it when needed.
- Refer to the LCEC Hurricane Guide and Storm Center.
It is frustrating to be without power. Residents and business owners can rest assured, emergency responders are ready to working under challenging conditions to help everyone get on with their lives when needed.