LCEC – Lee County Electric Cooperative

LCEC Power Restoration Update – Oct. 8 – 8 p.m.

October 8, 2022 – Eleven days after Hurricane Ian left an unforgettable mark on Southwest Florida, the monumental effort to repair and rebuild infrastructure, and to restore power to LCEC customers following a historic and unprecedented storm, continues around the clock.

Initial restoration estimates, based on assessments at the time, were hopeful and optimistic. While estimates in some location were on target, some could not account for elements beyond control or for the extent of damage and destruction to LCEC infrastructure. The added challenges of congested roads, supply chain disruptions, and overwhelming debris and vegetation has delayed power restoration to some areas, including communities of LCEC employees and line workers on the restoration team. LCEC shares the same feelings of frustration and remains proud of the accomplishments that have been achieved so far.

As 2,500 utility personnel continue to work unrelentingly to achieve our restoration goal, forward momentum is bolstered by continued support from the Governor’s Office in addition to a powerful backbone of complementary resources provided by electric cooperatives, Duke Energy, and FPL. Resources include restoration crews, substation expertise, and equipment and supplies from all over the country. The work will continue until every home and business that is able to receive power is brought back online. Work continues throughout the evening to get closer to the Estimated Time of Restoration in Cape Coral and North Fort Myers.

RESTORATION STATUS:

Broward County              96% Restored

Collier County                  95% Restored

Hendry County              100% Restored

Charlotte County            94% Restored

Lee County                       84% Restored* 

*Restored = all customers able to receive power and excludes Sanibel and Pine Island.

*Lee County area breakdown will be available again tomorrow morning to reflect tonight’s work.

Customer Reminders:

• It’s important to understand that LCEC is only part of the power restoration process. If a home or business has been flooded or has sustained damage, it may need additional repairs before it can receive power. A licensed electrician must inspect and repair the electrical system and proper government inspections must be received before service can be reconnected and make any necessary repairs.
• Ask for proof of proper professional licensure before allowing contractors to begin this type of work on your property.

Customers waiting for power to be restored should switch off the breakers to avoid a potentially unsafe situation when lines reconnect. Power surges can also cause significant damage to appliances.