How PRECO Restores Power after a Hurricane

Posted: June 4, 2019 at 12:19 pm

June 1st marks the beginning of hurricane season. A strong hurricane can knock out power to millions of Floridians, such as Irma did in September 2017. Even summer thunderstorms can cause large power outages.

So how does PRECO decide where to start restoring power during large outages? Our workers assess the damage, focus on fixing the biggest problems first and prioritize repairs according to how quickly and safely they can restore power to the most homes.

Step 1: Clearing the Path

Electricity flows like water in a garden hose. It begins at a generation plant, then flows to transmission lines, then substations, then distribution feeder lines until it reaches you.

First, transmission lines and local substations must be inspected for damage and repaired. After all, if the substation that provides power to your neighborhood is damaged, even if lineworkers repair the lines to your home—you’ll still be in the dark.

Step 2: Prioritizing Repairs

After substations are restored, we focus on bringing power to the greatest number of members. Line repairs are prioritized to maximize the number of members who benefit. For example, a repair that will restore power to 500 members is prioritized over a repair that will restore power to 100 members.

Step 3: One-by-One

After completing repairs that restore power to large blocks of members, the focus shifts to repairs that will restore power to individual homes and businesses. This is the final stage of power restoration.

Be Prepared

It is impossible to know where a hurricane will hit hardest. Power could be out for hours, days or even weeks. In most instances, the best course of action is to evacuate before the storm. If you can’t evacuate, create an emergency kit with basic items such as water, canned food and batteries. For more emergency kit ideas visit www.Ready.gov.

If a hurricane strikes, PRECO will work every day to get your lights back on as quickly and safely as possible.