Teamwork & Resilience Powered Hurricane Milton Recovery
When Hurricane Milton swept through Peace River Electric Cooperative's (PRECO's) service area in October, it left behind widespread destruction and power outages, presenting one of the most difficult challenges in recent memory. What happened in the days that followed was nothing short of extraordinary. It was a powerful reminder of the strength of our communities, the resilience of our members, and the unwavering dedication of our team, who worked around the clock to restore power.
The support received from across the country was incredible. More than 1,100 mutual aid workers from other cooperatives and contractors joined forces with the PRECO team, stepping in to assist with the massive relief efforts. These hardworking men and women battled extreme conditions, often putting in 16-hour shifts, all with 1 shared goal: restoring power to our members as quickly and safely as possible.
Because of this remarkable team effort and PRECO’s solid preparedness plan, we were able to restore power to 30,000 members within just 24 hours of the storm clearing—an amazing feat. This kind of success requires the collaboration of every department within the cooperative, working seamlessly together to get the job done.
The base camp, established to house and feed lineworkers and support crews, became a place of pause during the long days of restoration work. The 800-bed camp served as a home away from home for crews, offering rest and 12,000 total meals prepared during the restoration period.
Behind the scenes, the logistics of managing supplies, fuel, and equipment were meticulously coordinated to keep crews moving and minimize delays. It was a true team effort, with every department playing a vital role in our collective success.
None of this could have been possible without the patience and understanding of members. It is difficult to be without power, especially when also dealing with damage to your home and uncertainty in the aftermath of a major storm. Yet, throughout the recovery process, members displayed incredible resilience and kindness. Countless messages of encouragement and gratitude were received—another reminder of the close-knit, caring communities PRECO serves.
One particularly touching moment came when SendMeMissions, a local nonprofit, organized a spontaneous act of appreciation. As lineworkers and mutual aid crews returned to camp at the end of a long day, they were met by residents lining the streets, waving signs, and cheering them on. It was a simple but powerful reminder of the deep, personal impact of the work. Restoring power is always about more than electricity—it is about restoring hope, security, and a sense of normalcy.
The core values of service and community drive Peace River Electric Cooperative. When the lights go out, life becomes far more difficult. We take the responsibility of restoring power seriously. Every decision made in times like these is guided by the commitment to you, our members. Your patience and support throughout this recovery effort did not go unnoticed, and it inspired the team to keep pushing forward.
Hurricane Milton tested us all, but it also showcased the strength of our cooperative family. Together, we faced the challenges head-on—with determination, grit, and an unbreakable sense of community. We are incredibly grateful to our mutual aid partners, the tireless dedication of our crews, and the employees who worked behind the scenes.