FMEA Statement Regarding Florida Public Power Assistance in Preparation for Hurricane Isaias

STATEMENT BY:
Amy Zubaly, Executive Director, Florida Municipal Electric Association

"In preparation for Hurricane Isaias, which is projected to make landfall over the far Western Florida Panhandle late Friday night or very early Saturday morning after peaking as a Category 2 hurricane, the Florida Municipal Electric Association has activated our mutual aid network to aid with power restoration efforts for any of our member utilities impacted, as well as other utilities impacted in Florida or other states.

It is anticipated that Hurricane Isaias will bring heavy rainfall, damaging winds, possible tornadoes, and storm surge and flooding, which could lead to widespread power outages in affected coastal and in-land communities. At this time, Florida’s public power communities remain outside of the current forecast cone. However, all Florida municipal electric utilities are prepared to respond and assist with recovery.

Mutual aid agreements enable electric utilities to call on each other for skilled emergency workers and supplies. As Florida’s mutual aid coordinator, the Florida Municipal Electric Association has maintained communication throughout the week with statewide emergency management officials, other Florida electric utilities, and our strong nationwide network of mutual aid partners through the American Public Power Association. These connections have created a reliable system where member utilities both request and offer assistance when there’s a need.

Florida’s public power utilities are prepared to help our own utilities and others as this storm approaches."