Electric Power Industry Prepares for Hurricane Matthew's Impact on Customers in Southeast U.S.

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Oct 06, 2016, 09:14 ET

WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As Hurricane Matthew begins to impact Florida, electric companies in the storm's path are prepared to respond to customer power outages once conditions are safe to do so. Affected companies and mutual assistance crews from more than 25 states are staging in the potentially impacted regions. Additional crews are en route to support restoration efforts.

"Hurricane Matthew is a dangerous storm. Strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surges have the potential to cause significant and extended power outages. Companies in the path of Hurricane Matthew have been preparing for days by pre-staging restoration workers and equipment," said EEI President Tom Kuhn. "Safety is our industry's number one priority, and crews will continue to work around the clock to restore power as conditions warrant."

The CEO-led Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council (ESCC) is also monitoring Hurricane Matthew to ensure unity of effort across the highest levels of industry and government. Should additional coordination become necessary, the ESCC is standing ready to support restoration efforts. "Our industry values its partnership with the federal government, which has strengthened significantly following lessons learned during Superstorm Sandy," added Kuhn.

Electricity customers are urged to be prepared for the possibility of sustained power outages. If ordered to evacuate, customers should do so immediately.

EEI's Storm Center includes a map to company outage centers, as well as real-time information and updates on storm preparation and restoration progress. Customers can follow EEI on Twitter and Facebook.

EEI is the association that represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. Our members provide electricity for 220 million Americans, operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and directly and indirectly support more than 1 million jobs. EEI has more than 70 international electric companies as International Members, and 270 industry suppliers and related organizations as Associate Members.

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SOURCE Edison Electric Institute