FPL deploys 17,000 for power restoration after Hurricane Milton passes

Florida Power & Light Co. says it is deploying a workforce of nearly 17,000 to help restore power after Hurricane Milton passes.

The utility said it has strategically pre-positioned its restoration workforce, equipment and supplies ― including mutual assistance from 40 states across the United States — throughout Florida.

"This storm will bring extended outages," FPL President and CEO Armando Pimentel said in a statement released by the company. "That said, I want to assure our customers we are prepared and will be working around-the-clock to restore power.”

FPL said customers should "be ready for potential prolonged outages."

FPL's game plan

Here is some of what FPL is doing and plans to do:

• Pre-positioning damage assessment teams and restoration personnel, including dozens of drone teams, to get the right crews in the right place to support the restoration.
• Restoring power between bands of severe weather when it is safe to do so.
• Coordinating with local emergency-management officials to clear roads for restoration workers.

What customers should expect

Here's what FPL says its customers should expect after the hurricane passes:

Because of Milton’s size, it will have wide-reaching impacts across the state. Customers need to be prepared for the potential of extended power outages, even in areas that are not in the direct path of the storm.

As soon as it is safe to do so, FPL will conduct damage assessments with field crews and will begin the process of restoring power.

Streets and neighborhoods may experience downed trees, flooding and other damage that may not be immediately visible. This could delay restoration efforts.

Customers should keep safety top of mind after Milton, and stay far away from downed power lines and flooded areas, and debris, as well as follow manufacturers’ instructions for generators.

Generator safety

This is FPL's advice for safe use of a portable generator:

• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for proper use.
• Plug appliances directly into the generator, not into the main electric panel, because the electricity may flow back into power lines and cause injuries.
• Ensure only a licensed electrician connects a generator to a main electric panel.
• Never operate a generator inside your home or garage.
• Keep generators well away from open windows to prevent dangerous fumes from entering your home or a neighbor’s home.

How customers can stay connected with FPL

• FPL website: FPL.com
• FPL safety tips: FPL.com/Storm
• X: X.com/insideFPL
• Facebook: facebook.com/FPLconnect
• FPL Power Tracker: FPL.com/powertracker
• FPL Power Tracker (Northwest Florida): FPL.com/mypowertracker
• FPL app: Download from the App Store or Google Play, or text the word “App” to MyFPL (69375)

FPL is among the nation's largest electric utilities, with about 5.9 million accounts and serving more than 12 million people.

Dave Berman is business editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Berman at dberman@floridatoday.com , on X at @bydaveberman and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dave.berman.54

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: FPL deploys 17,000 for power restoration after Hurricane Milton passes