99% Essentially Restored After Hurricane Milton
SECO Energy’s restoration efforts following Hurricane Milton are essentially complete, with power restored to all members who can safely receive it.
The storm caused widespread damage across SECO Energy’s 2,100-square-mile service area, leaving over 100,000 members without power. SECO crews, alongside hundreds of mutual aid line and tree crews, have endured working tirelessly around the clock to restore service safely and efficiently. As of 9 a.m. today, power has been restored to over 99,000 or 99% of the homes and businesses affected by Milton. Crews are diligently working to finish up restoration for the remaining members.
While service was essentially restored Monday for everyone who can safely receive electricity, there is still standing water near feeder lines in the Webster area. Standing water is delaying restoration and making it challenging to fully assess damages to equipment. It is unsafe to repair equipment that is underwater. Restoration for this particular area in Webster and other locations unsafe to restore electricity will resume once conditions improve and it is safe to do so.
SECO Energy’s service area has not experienced damage of this magnitude since Hurricane Irma in 2017. “We are immensely proud of the work our employees and mutual aid partners have done and are continuing to do, bringing power back to our members,” stated SECO Energy’s Chief Executive Officer, Curtis Wynn. “The dedication, teamwork, and resilience displayed during this recovery demonstrate SECO Energy’s strive for excellence in reliability and service.”
As restoration efforts wrap up, SECO Energy remains committed to restoring every member’s power as safely and quickly as possible. Members are to remain cautious around downed power lines and to report any ongoing outages via StormCenter at SECOEnergy.com. For area light outages or malfunctions, report to LightFinder at SECOEnergy.com > StormCenter > LightFinder.
As a result of the damage caused by Hurricane Milton, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Disaster Assistance Improvement Program is providing financial assistance to eligible applicants affected by Milton. For more details on eligibility or to start the application process, visit DisasterAssistance.gov.
In addition to restoration, SECO Energy is providing support to the local community. The SECO team recently donated meals to assist residents in the Webster area and The Salvation Army of Lake & Sumter County.
SECO Energy also extends a heartfelt thank you to the local communities, emergency responders, and mutual aid crews for their support and understanding during this challenging time.
