Wauchula, Florida (October 11, 2024) – Peace River Electric Cooperative (PRECO) has launched a major restoration effort to begin rebuilding its system, which sustained heavy damage from Hurricane Milton.
Within the first 24 hours of restoration, over 30,000 members had their power restored. Progress like this is the result of a workforce 1,100 strong that has come together with one common goal: to get PRECO members’ lights back on.
“We have assembled a force of PRECO employees, mutual aid crews, and contractors from across North America to support this massive restoration effort,” said Randy Shaw, General Manager/CEO. “As we continue this restoration process, we thank our members for their continued patience and understanding.”
Yesterday, a base camp was assembled at PRECO headquarters, consisting of lodging for 800 crew members. 1,000 hot dinners were served, and over 4,000 gallons of fuel were pumped for the men and women who left their homes and traveled to assist the PRECO team in restoring power to its membership.
One of the cooperative principles is “Cooperation Amongst Cooperatives”. Electric cooperatives from around the nation have heeded that call, including cooperatives in Minnesota, Texas, Florida, and Mississippi. In addition, contractors from as far as Canada have joined the ranks of skilled personnel working tirelessly to restore power.
While the damage assessment process is still underway, standard utility practice is in effect as repairs are made and lines are energized. Feeder and primary lines are repaired first, then secondary and service lines follow. This method restores power to the greatest number of people in the shortest amount of time.
Peace River Electric Cooperative (PRECO), a Touchstone Energy® distribution electric cooperative headquartered in Wauchula, Florida, provides electric service and energy solutions to more than 67,000 member-consumers in 10 central Florida counties: Brevard, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Manatee, Osceola, Polk, and Sarasota. Through almost 5,000 miles of power lines, the electric cooperative has been in business since 1940 as a member-owned, not-for-profit organization.