Duke Energy Florida has been actively preparing for the 2025 hurricane season, which began on June 1, by enhancing its infrastructure and utilizing advanced tools to minimize power outages and expedite restoration for its two million customers.
“I’m extremely proud of how we’ve responded to storms in the past, but we’re determined to keep getting better,” stated Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “We’ve been working, and will continue working every single day, to harden our equipment and implement state-of-the-art technology that will make our electric grid more efficient and resilient, ready for when the next storm hits. Our customers deserve nothing less.”
The company has replaced approximately 60% of its wooden transmission poles with concrete or steel over the last five years, aiming for completion by 2028. About half of its distribution system is now underground to protect it from extreme weather conditions. Additionally, distribution hardening projects have been completed across 38 substations with over 30 more underway.
Professional arborists maintain vegetation that could threaten equipment. In 2024 alone, they completed over 4,000 miles of maintenance trimming on distribution lines and plan nearly 660 miles on transmission lines this year.
Duke Energy Florida employs self-healing technology similar to GPS navigation systems that detect outages and reroute power automatically. This technology restores service quickly—often in under a minute—and benefits over 75% of customers. During storms like Hurricane Milton, Helene, and Debby, millions of outage hours were saved thanks to this technology.
These efforts have enabled Duke Energy Florida to restore power swiftly after storms. For instance, during the 2024 hurricane season:
– “95% of outages (outside of the hardest-hit areas) were restored within 96 hours after Hurricane Milton.”
– “95% of outages (for those able to receive power) were restored within 72 hours after Hurricane Helene.”
– “95% of outages were restored within 24 hours after Hurricane Debby.”
Between 2018 and 2024, the average length of customer outages was reduced by 27%.
Customers are reminded by Duke Energy Florida about personal preparedness before a storm hits:
– Create or update an emergency supply kit with essentials for at least two weeks.
– Prepare for extended power outages; make plans for elderly individuals or those with special medical needs.
– Sign up for Outage Alerts; know how to report an outage online through the mobile app or by texting OUT to 57801 or calling 800.228.8485.
– Understand that restoration prioritizes public health facilities and large numbers of customers as safely as possible.
For additional storm preparation tips visit duke-energy.com/StormTips or download the Red Cross Emergency mobile app.
Duke Energy is one of America’s largest energy holding companies headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., serving millions across several states with both electric and natural gas utilities. The company is focused on transitioning towards a smarter energy future with investments in grid upgrades and cleaner generation methods including renewables.
More information can be found at duke-energy.com along with their social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook as well as their news center.
Contact: Aly Raschid
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
X: @DE_AlyRaschid
