Gulf Power expects to restore power to all customers by midnight tonight as damage was minimal from Tropical Storm Ida.

 

“Our crews will work as fast and as safely as they can to get things back to normal,” said Sandy Sims, Gulf Power spokesperson. “We expect full restoration by this evening, except, possibly, near Panama City, which could take longer as the storm continues to move through that area today.”

 

At the height of the storm last night around 5,000 of Gulf Power’s 429,000 customers – around 1 percent – were without power. Some of the damage was tree-related and involved fuses, transformers and some wire down, which is similar to damage from an afternoon thunderstorm. 

 

The minimal damage means repairs should go quickly, with no broken poles, or other major structures damaged. Gulf Power substations remained operating through the storm and very few main feeder lines were affected.

 

As of 6 a.m., 2,000 customers were still out. Gulf Power brought in 175 contractors to provide additional assistance.

 

“We really appreciate everyone’s patience,” Sims said. “We will be working hard today to get all problems fixed. We encourage everyone to stay safe.”

 

Sims said if customers have not yet called to report a power outage, they should do so today to help workers pinpoint individual problems. The number to call is 1-800-GUPOWER (487-6937).

 

STORM TIPS FOR CUSTOMERS www.gulfpower.com

 

• Turn your air conditioning down to cool down your house.  If you keep the doors and windows closed after the storm you can keep your house relatively cool for about 48 hours after the storm.
• Charge up your cell phone before the storm — and anything else that needs to be charged up.
• Stay away from all downed lines. Warn others to do the same and contact Gulf Power or a local law enforcement agency.
• Wait a reasonable time after the storm passes before calling Gulf Power if your entire neighborhood is without power. Extra calls jam switchboards and slow repairs. Please call only once. 
• Keep freezer doors closed and sealed. Well-filled freezers keep most foods frozen two to three days if the door is kept closed.
• Do not connect portable generators to your household wiring. This can cause serious injury to you and Gulf Power employees working on the lines in your neighborhood. Connect only essential appliances directly to the generator.
• If your meter box or the mast on top of your meter box is damaged, those two items belong to you and you must have repairs made by an electrician before Gulf Power can restore power.
• If you have flooding in your home — above or at the level of your outlets — Gulf Power will not be able to restore power until the home has been inspected by the city or the county.
• Last — and probably most important — is be patient. Don’t stop Gulf Power crews to report an outage or ask for information. Before neighborhood lines can be worked on, Gulf Power crews must first repair larger lines that bring power to neighborhoods. The crews are working as safely and as quickly as they can.

 

For power outages:  1-800-GU-POWER (487-6937)

 

 

Gulf Power Company is an investor-owned electric utility with all of its common stock owned by Atlanta-based Southern Company. Gulf Power serves more than 400,000 customers in 10 counties throughout Northwest Florida. The company’s mission is to safely deliver affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible energy to very satisfied customers in strong communities.

###

 

Questions about something you've read here? Please e-mail or call.

 

Sandy Sims

Manager of Public Affairs
850-444-6057, cell 850-376-8440

 

Jeff Rogers

Media Relations
850-444-6243, cell 850-572-5511

www.gulfpower.com