FPL Honored with Industry Award for Power Restoration Efforts in North Carolina After Hurricane Florence

By  //  January 20, 2019

FPL sent more than 900 employees and contractor workers to North Carolina to help

The Edison Electric Institute presented Florida Power & Light Company with the association’s “Emergency Assistance Award” for its contributions in restoring power to hard-hit North Carolina communities following Hurricane Florence. (FPL image)

The Edison Electric Institute presented Florida Power & Light Company with the association’s “Emergency Assistance Award” for its contributions in restoring power to hard-hit North Carolina communities following Hurricane Florence.

The blockbuster storm made landfall as a Category 1 storm on Sept. 14, 2018, and moved slowly throughout Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states, causing extensive flooding and leaving many without power.

“Helping our neighbors in the Carolinas after Florence was one of four mutual assistance trips we took part in last year,” said FPL President and CEO Eric Silagy.

“It speaks volumes of the character of the men and women that we have at FPL. They’re willing – whenever needed – to go and help others. We know all too well what it’s like after a hurricane and we will always stand at the ready to provide additional assistance whenever and wherever it is needed. I’m honored our crews’ hard work is getting such recognition.”

“Helping our neighbors in the Carolinas after Florence was one of four mutual assistance trips we took part in last year,” said FPL President and CEO Eric Silagy.

FPL’s team of more than 900 men and women worked 16-hour days for nearly two weeks to get residents’ lights back on after Hurricane Florence.

The team helped restore power to 25,000 homes and businesses in Columbus County, North Carolina and other areas hit hardest by the storm. In addition to getting North Carolinians back online, crews helped residents in need, such as repairing a flat tire for a driver and providing phone charging stations.

The company deployed crews four times last year to assist partner utilities in restoring power to their customers. FPL crews, some working as long as three months, helped restore power in the Bayamon region of Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.

Crews also helped restore power in Florida’s Panhandle and Georgia impacted by Hurricane Michael. In addition to these events, FPL sent engineers to support the restoration effort for December’s Winter Storm Diego in the Carolinas and lineworkers to Paradise, Ca. following the devastating Camp Fire.

The company deployed crews four times last year to assist partner utilities in restoring power to their customers. FPL crews, some working as long as three months, helped restore power in the Bayamon region of Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.

This “Emergency Assistance Award” is given to select EEI member companies to recognize their outstanding response assisting other electric companies in power restoration efforts after service has been disrupted by severe weather conditions or other natural events.

The winners are chosen by a panel of judges following an international nomination process. FPL received the award during EEI’s Winter Board and Chief Executives Meeting in Palm Beach, Fla.

“When disasters strike, neighboring electric companies respond quickly to assist with recovery and restoration efforts,” said EEI President Tom Kuhn.

“Our mutual assistance network is a hallmark of the electric power industry. FPL’s extraordinary efforts – amidst hazardous conditions – helped to restore service for customers in North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Florence quickly and safely.”

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