Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) was able to announce that service restoration is complete for customers who were affected by Hurricane Hermine, in line with its pre-storm commitment to restore power to the majority of affected customers within 24 hours of the storm's passing.

And, the utility is urging Florida residents to stay prepared for more tropical weather possibilities this season.

"The fact that we were able to restore power to more than 110,000 customers within 24 hours following Hermine's passing is further evidence that the significant investments we've been making in our electric grid during the past decade are clearly providing benefits for our customers," said Eric Silagy, president and chief executive officer of FPL.

Before the storm hit, FPL prepared with more than 5,000 employees and contract personnel ready to restore power, working in between bands of severe weather. 

The investments, which include hardening FPL's electrical system, upgrading power lines and poles to be stronger and more resilient, and leveraging technology and the benefits of 4.8 million smart meters, have resulted in one of the most advanced smart grids in the nation, according to FPL. Fleet vehicles have been hard at work. 

FPL participates in a mutual assistance program with other electric utilities from across the nation. As part of that program, today FPL is making available 300 contract restoration personnel to help sister Florida utilities restore power to their customers. The company also is offering support to out-of-state utilities should the need arise. Other utilities have sent crews to help FPL customers after major storms, and FPL is happy to help restore power to those affected by Hermine.

Photo courtesy of FPL

Photo courtesy of FPL

"Living in Florida, we are susceptible to severe weather conditions throughout the year," said Silagy. "Hurricane Hermine serves as a stark reminder of this reality, and all of us who live and work here need to remember the National Hurricane Center's forecast of a very active 2016 hurricane season, taking the time now to make plans and preparations well before the next storm strikes."

The company offers storm preparation and safety tips at FPL.com/storm.

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