LCEC – Lee County Electric Cooperative

Hurricane Updates

STAY TUNED HERE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT RESTORATION IF A STORM IMPACTS THE LCEC SERVICE TERRITORY.

LCEC is closely monitoring the status of Hurricane Matthew and potential impact to Southwest Florida. In an effort to provide customers with information regarding power restoration, LCEC will post updates as frequently as possible. In addition, the local media, Facebook and Twitter will feature restoration progress updates and safety tips. Please keep in mind that immediately after a severe storm, information is limited until the damage has been assessed.

How does LCEC restore power after a storm?

• After a storm has passed, LCEC quickly begins to assess the damage to the electric system.
• LCEC then begins restoring power to essential services such as hospitals, traffic signals, shelters, communication centers and law enforcement.
• Next, power is restored to the greatest number of customers in the least amount of time.
• Finally, individual services or services that need to be reconnected after repair to the customer’s damaged electrical system are restored.

What if my neighbor has power but I don’t?

• You may be on a different feeder line, or a different transformer may serve your location.
• The transformer serving your location may be damaged. These are the last system devices to be repaired because resources are focused on restoring the greatest number of customers first.
• Your weatherhead conduit (the pipe and wire extending above your roof) may be damaged or bent. If so, you must have an electrician repair it and have an inspection before power can be restored.
• If you own your own underground service, it may be damaged, which is usually caused by tree roots. If so, you must have it repaired by an electrician and inspected before power can be restored.

Does LCEC turn the power off intentionally?

• LCEC continues to restore power until it is unsafe to work. At that time, nature takes its course and as soon as it is safe to work again, the LCEC crews get to work.
• In some situations, LCEC is requested to disconnect power for safety reasons. Only at that time will LCEC de-energize the lines.

Download Hurricane Guide.