Electric industry preparing for Hurricane Michael

The electric industry is preparing for Hurricane Michael and urging customers to take steps to prepare as well, the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) said yesterday.

Electric companies that may be impacted by the storm are pre-positioning workers and equipment, and mutual assistance crews from at least 18 states are headed to areas that may be affected by the storm.

The storm, which was recently upgraded to a Category 4, is making landfall in Florida today with maximum sustained winds of 145 miles per hour.

“Hurricane Michael is an extremely dangerous storm that continues to strengthen as it moves through the Gulf,” EEI President Tom Kuhn said. “This is a fast-moving storm, and strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surge have the potential to cause extreme damage and extended power outages. Electric companies in Michael’s path are ready. They have activated their emergency response plans, and are mobilizing restoration workers, staging equipment, and coordinating preparation and response efforts with federal, state, and local officials.”

The CEO-led Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council, Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, and Federal Emergency Management Agency are coordinating to support preparation and staging activities and the movement of mutual assistance crews, EEI noted.

EEI urged customers to prepare for the possibility of power outages, watch for downed power lines and heed all warning and evacuation orders from their local and state officials. All those who received evacuation orders should already have evacuated, as the storm makes landfall today.

“Ensuring the safety of customers, communities, and crews is the electric power industry’s highest priority,” Kuhn said. “After the storm hits, crews will work around the clock to restore power as conditions allow.”