Gulf Power, EREC Ready To Respond

November 10, 2009

Gulf Power Company and Escambia River Electric Cooperative (EREC) officials say that they are ready to respond to any damage left behind by Tropical Storm Ida.

“EREC is ready to respond should Tropical Storm Ida cause damage to the EREC power system. Members are encouraged to stay abreast of storm developments and take necessary safety precautions,” said Sabrina Owens, EREC spokesperson. EREC is a Touchstone Energy cooperative that distributes electricity to approximately 10,000 members in northern Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida.

“This storm will impact our customers from Panama City to Pensacola and we will work as fast as possible, but we do expect it to take a day or two to restore service to everyone,” Gulf Power spokesperson Sandy Sims said. “We ask everyone to be patient. Fortunately our crews have a lot of hurricane experience and are recognized as some of the best storm crews in the nation. We are called on almost every year to help other utilities across the Southeast. We know we can count on their help now if we need it.”

Gulf Power will conduct a damage assessment immediately after the storm and then deploy crews and materials to restore power as quickly as possible. The utility works with county Emergency Management Centers to determine priority restoration to hospitals, police and fire stations, water and sewer lift stations and other critical services.

“We know it’s been a few years since we’ve had a direct hit in Northwest Florida so we encourage everyone to take this storm seriously, prepare for the worst and have patience after the storm,” Sims said.

To report a power outage on the EREC system, call 1-877-688-3732.
To report a power outage on the Gulf Power system, call 1-800-487-6937.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive