A Message from Staci Bertrand Government & Community Relations Manager, Duke Energy Florida Alachua, Citrus, Sumter, Hernando, Levy, Marion TS Nicole

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Duke Energy urges customers in Florida to prepare for potential impacts from Tropical Storm Nicole

 

Dear Leaders:

 

I wanted to reach out ahead of Tropical Storm Nicole to provide a few updates and let you know that I am here should you need anything from Duke Energy. 

Duke Energy is closely monitoring the approach of Tropical Storm Nicole and preparing for potential impacts on Florida in the coming days. The company urges customers to prepare as well. 

Company meteorologists are tracking the storm, which has the potential to bring damaging winds, heavy rain and localized flooding to portions of the company’s service area throughout Florida. 

Duke Energy prepares for storms throughout the year and has ensured that equipment, supplies and inventories in all areas that could be impacted by this storm are available to make necessary repairs and restore power outages. 

The company has crews and resources located strategically throughout Florida – near areas that will likely be affected – to respond quickly and safely once the storm passes. If additional assistance is needed, Duke Energy will be able to draw on other resources from its service territories in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and the Carolinas. 

While the storm is forecast to be weaker than Hurricane Ian, forecasts still show the potential for strong winds and heavy rain that could result in significant power outages throughout many parts of Florida.  

Crews will begin power restoration as soon as conditions are safe to do so. After the storm passes, downed trees and flooding can impact work conditions, making repair work more difficult. 

The safety of our customers and communities is important. Duke Energy encourages customers to have a plan in place to respond to an extended power outage after a hurricane or other severe weather.  

We encourage customers to also consider a plan to move family members – especially those with special needs – to a safe, alternative location in case an extended power outage or evacuation is required. 

Before a storm hits, customers should make sure their contact information is up to date and their communication preferences are noted in their account so they can receive proactive updates from Duke Energy on the status of a power outage. 

Customers who experience an outage during a storm can report it the following ways: 

·       Visit duke-energy.com on a desktop computer or mobile device. 

·       Use the Duke Energy mobile app – Download the Duke Energy App from a smartphone via Apple Store or Google Play. 

·       Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply). 

·       Call the automated outage-reporting system, at: 800.228.8485. 

 

There is also an interactive outage map where customers can find up-to-date information on power outages, including the total number of outages systemwide and estimated times of restoration. 

 

For more tips on how to prepare for storm season, and how Duke Energy can help, please visit duke-energy.com/StormTips. 

 

Read more in this press release and feel free to sign up to receive press releases from Duke Energy Florida in real time here.  

 

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I am available by email and cell phone.

 

Stay safe!

 

Staci Bertrand, MBA, M.Ed | Manager - Government & Community Relations

Alachua, Citrus, Sumter, Hernando, Levy, Marion

Mobile:  (352) 519-2399 |  [log in to unmask]