Duke Energy wrapping up final restorations on isolated post-Irma power outages in Florida

- Essentially all customers restored except for scattered outages in hardest hit areas, and customers with meter damage.

- Customers should be prepared for possible scams.

News provided by

Duke Energy

Sep 20, 2017, 23:15 ET

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy tonight announced it has restored electricity to essentially all customers impacted by Hurricane Irma in Florida, though crews continue repair work on isolated, scattered power outages.

In many of the company's hardest hit areas, repairs have included rebuilding the electrical system as a result of significant damage.

The company has restored more than 1.9 million outages. Crews will continue working until all remaining isolated outages are restored.

"Our power restoration work is almost complete. The finish line is in sight and we will soon have our final few customers' lights back on," said Harry Sideris, Duke Energy Florida president. "We thank our customers for their patience. We also thank the numerous utility companies from across the nation that provided assistance, as well as emergency responders and disaster relief organizations that helped restore our communities after this historic hurricane."

Duke Energy's outage management system, which includes a map of outages and real-time updates, is now available for customers to access detailed information and estimated restoration times for their specific outage.

For an update on current outages, visit http://duke-energy.com

Reporting power outages

At any time, customers without power can report outages online at http://duke-energy.com, text OUT to 57801 or call the automated outage reporting system at 800.228.8485. For the latest outage information and other company updates, visit http://news.duke-energy.com/irma.

Billing Assistance

The hurricane forced the company to stop all standard meter readings, which means some customers will receive estimated bills. The next month's meter reading will determine a customer's actual amount owed.

Duke Energy apologizes for any confusion and inconvenience this might cause.

Late payment fees will not be applied for the next month to give customers time to recover from the storm.

Customers who have questions or need additional help with their bill can call 800.700.8744.

Electric meter box damage

Customers with damaged meter equipment may be delayed in receiving service. If a customer's electric meter box has been pulled away from the customer's house due to storm damage – and the customer has no power – the customer is responsible for contacting an electrician for permanent repairs. In some instances, an electrical inspection may be required before Duke Energy can reconnect the customer's service. An electrician can advise the customer.

If the meter box has been pulled away from the house – but the customer still has power – the customer should contact an electrician to reattach the meter box. An electrical inspection may be required in this situation, as well.

Beware of scams

Customers should be aware of fraudulent misrepresentations that have been reported to law enforcement and through local media.

Duke Energy will never ask a customer to purchase a prepaid debit card – or iTunes card – to make a payment.

Customers who suspect or experience fraud – or feel threatened during contact with a scammer – should contact local authorities, and then the Duke Energy Florida phone number listed on their bill (800.700.8744).

Never dial any phone number provided by scammers.

For more information on how to identify a scam, visit https://www.duke-energy.com/customer-service/report-fraud-and-scams

About Duke Energy Florida

Duke Energy Florida owns and operates a diverse generation mix, including renewables, providing about 8,800 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 1.8 million customers in a 13,000-square-mile service area.

With its Florida regional headquarters located in St. Petersburg, Fla., Duke Energy is one of the largest electric power holding companies in the United States. Its Electric Utilities and Infrastructure business unit serves approximately 7.5 million customers located in six states in the Southeast and Midwest. The company's Gas Utilities and Infrastructure business unit distributes natural gas to approximately 1.6 million customers in the Carolinas, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. Its Commercial Renewables business unit operates a growing renewable energy portfolio across the United States.

Duke Energy is a Fortune 125 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at http://duke-energy.com.

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SOURCE Duke Energy