Hurricane Updates

LCEC Exceeds Restoration Timeline by one day!

North Fort Myers, FL, October 13, 2024 – On the end of restoration day three, LCEC crews had successfully restored power to 84,639 customers. When power restoration reaches 95%, it is standard practice for utilities to declare that service is "essentially restored." Our teams continue to make significant progress, working tirelessly around the clock to restore power to the remaining customers.

Two basecamps are now fully operational, providing necessary lodging and meals for the restoration teams. This has helped expedite work efforts, ensuring that our crews remain rested and supported during this critical time.

We thank the community for their patience and support as we work together to restore services as quickly and safely as possible.

The Impact of Salt Contaminants and Storm Surge on the Electric Grid in Coastal Areas Post Milton

As LCEC continues to restore power the possible impact from salt contaminants and storm surge threaten the progress made to restore power to more than 75,000 customers within the first 24 hours after Milton.

Salt contamination is a serious issue that can undermine the integrity of a power system, especially in coastal areas where salt from the storm surge can accumulate. Even after a hurricane has passed, the lingering effects of salt deposits can pose ongoing electrical hazards. These issues can pose significant risks to powerlines and electrical equipment, complicating the restoration process and potentially causing repeated outages after power has been restored.

Impact: Storm surge from hurricanes carries seawater inland, depositing salt on powerlines, transformers, and electrical equipment. This salt residue can create a film that compromises the electrical system, leading to:

• Corrosion: Salt accelerates the corrosion of metal components in power infrastructure, weakening equipment and increasing the likelihood of failure.
• Electrical Arcing: Salt, combined with moisture from the storm, can cause short circuits or arcing, which can result in power outages.
• Reduced Insulation Effectiveness: The accumulation of salt on insulators can reduce their effectiveness, which can cause further outages.
• Damage Poles, Underground Equipment, and wash underground infrastructure away: Floodwaters from storm surge can uproot or damage power poles, wash away and submerge underground equipment, and tear down lines making it difficult to assess damage or restore power.
• Cause Extended Outages: The floodwaters from storm surge often delay the restoration process, as crews must wait for water to recede before safely accessing damaged areas.
• Create Long-Term Electrical Issues: Even after visible damage is repaired, the residual effects of salt and moisture can continue to degrade electrical components, leading to future outages.

LCEC appreciates the continued patience as we work through the unique challenges of storm recovery in coastal areas. Crews are working tirelessly until every customer is fully restored.

For more information on the steps taken by LCEC before, during, and after a major storm and other tips for staying safe during storm season, visit the Storm Center on lcec.net.

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LCEC Estimated Restoration Dates

North Fort Myers, FL, October 11, 2024 - LCEC currently has 178,034 of 251,415 customers with power. LCEC understands the immense challenges our customers are facing and remains fully committed to restoring the system as quick and safely as possible. LCEC is working around the clock, with the support of over 1,300 line workers from electric cooperatives, and an army of contractors, vendors, suppliers, and hundreds of support personnel.

Following are LCEC estimated times of restoration, it is possible power will be restored sooner to the locations able to receive power.

• Charlotte-Saturday, October 12, 2024 11:59 PM
• Collier-Saturday, October 12, 2024 11:59 PM
• Hendry- Saturday, October 12, 2024 11:59 PM
• Lee-Sunday, October 13, 2024 11:59 PM

Be Safe! Exercise caution when using generators, as improper usage can lead to dangerous situations. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Additionally, while cleaning up around your property, be mindful of downed power lines, debris, and unstable structures.

LCEC appreciates the continued patience and support of members. Crews assisting with power restoration are dedicated to working tirelessly until every customer is fully restored. These teams have traveled from across the nation, having already responded to other storm-related outages. Now, here in Southwest Florida, they are partnering with LCEC crews to do what they do best—restore power swiftly and safely for our community.

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How LCEC Restores Power

North Fort Myers, FL, October 10, 2024 – Safety is the number one priority for LCEC following a major storm. While LCEC and all of the responding partners are laser-focused on restoring power as quickly as possible, safety is always the priority.

In a restoration event, LCEC works through four steps:

• • Damage assessment- Includes physical inspection of LCEC facilities. Once damage assessments have been made, LCEC begins repairs. (IN PROGRESS)
  • Critical repairs- LCEC repairs main electric infrastructure and restores critical facilities such as hospitals, police, and fire stations. (ALL INLAND SUBSTATIONS & TRANSMISSION ARE OPERABLE)
  • Quickly and safely- Repair lines that get the greatest number of customers on as soon as possible.
  • Remaining outages- Restore power to those small pockets or individuals still without power.

It is essential for members to keep safety in mind for their own well-being and the safety of those working to get the lights back on.

• • Stay clear of downed power lines, as they may be energized.
  • Puddles of water contacting downed lines are dangerous.
  • Keep LCEC phone lines clear for emergency calls by only calling to report safety threats.

For more information on the steps taken by LCEC before, during, and after a major storm and other tips for staying safe during storm season, visit the Storm Center on lcec.net.