Media Release for power outage on St. George Island

28 Airport Road

Apalachicola, Florida 32320

Phone (850) 653-8977

 Fax (850) 653-3643

Em1frank@gtcom.net

 

MEDIA ADVISORY #1: Date June 28, 2011

APALACHICOLA—A meeting was held this morning on St. George Island with representatives of Progress Energy Florida, Franklin County Law Enforcement, a County Commissioner, EMS and business representatives from the community to discuss the current loss of electricity to the island.

The following is a media release issued by Progress energy on June 27, 2011.

ST, PETERSBURG, FLA. (June 27, 2011)- “At about 8:15 pm Monday evening storms with heavy winds damaged two transmission structures carrying power across Apalachicola Bay to St. George Island. Power is out to all Progress Energy Florida customers on the island- a total of about 5,000 homes and businesses.

Crews are working to quickly and safely  restore power. The company is bringing generators onto the island to supply power while the damaged towers in the bay are replaced. It is estimated that the tower replacement could take several days due to the extent of the damage and the location of the structures.

In order to expedite power restoration to affected customers, Progress Energy asks customers on St. George Island to turn the power to air-conditioning systems and other equipment off. Once generators are installed and are powering the island, customers may turn power back on to these appliances.

Progress Energy appreciates customer’s patience as we work to restore electric service following Monday evening’s strong storms.”

From the meeting, the  representative anticipated them to have the eight generators  in service at selected locations, to segment the load, in place by late this evening or in the early hours of tomorrow  morning, June 28, 2011.

Law enforcement is asking people to minimize their nighttime travel activities  as much as possible this evening. No curfew is currently in place or anticipated at this time.

For additional information, especially technical information, please contact Progress Energy Florida  Information at 800-228-8485. Corporate Communications  can be contacted at, 866-520-NEWS (6397).

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