OUC is saying residents should prepare for multiple day power outages in Orlando due to Hurricane Milton.
“As OUC continues to prepare for Hurricane Milton’s impact to our service area, mutual aid crews from other states continue to arrive in Orlando to stage for post-storm response,” the company stated. “While it’s difficult to predict the full extent of damage, we ask that our customers prepare for multiple day power outages. Additionally, flooding is a concern. Uprooted trees due to rain and wind could impact water pipes and disrupt service.”
OUC said it is increasing local resources five times the normal work staff to respond to outages caused by the storm in Central Florida. Once it is deemed safe, crews will be activated and will work alongside OUC employees to restore powerlines and repair any customer issues.
Based on the most recent weather reports, OUC does not anticipate sending safety assessors into the field until Thursday afternoon (10/10).
OUC’s Call Center will provide enhanced support throughout the storm. Outages may be reported by going online or calling 407-423-9018 and customers only need to call once, preferably from their registered phone number. Also, customers are asked to update their contact information – email and phone numbers – to stay informed about estimated service restoration schedules via text, email or calls from OUC.
Local OUC crews will work until conditions deteriorate and sustained winds reach or are above 35 miles per hour. “We ask for your patience because we must wait until it is safe for our teams to respond. Once the storm passes, we will assess damage, and it will take at least 48 hours to provide a systemwide estimated time of restoration (ETR),” the company added.
Power outages in Orlando from Hurricane Milton will be restored to critical customers first like hospitals, fire and police and then move to lines powering the most customers, according to officials.
OUC.com/stormcenter will regularly be updated with latest information and includes safety tips. The outage map is available, but restoration times will not be added until after restoration begins. OUC expects a systemwide ETR to be available 48 hours after the storm passes.
Orange County opened 11 general population shelters for individuals and pets needing to evacuate or seek shelter from Hurricane Milton. Shelters for Persons with Special Needs (PSN) are also open.
