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August 2008

Hurricane Plan: Q&A

We're in the heart of hurricane season again, and Florida Keys Electric Cooperative has reviewed its major storm emergency procedures and is ready to respond. Although we have invested heavily in our Storm Hardening Program, damage to our local system is almost unavoidable in a strong storm. Common questions about restoration are answered below.

Q:    How long is restoration expected to take after a hurricane?

A:    Restoration time will depend in part on how many islands are significantly impacted and on the condition of the transmission system serving us from the mainland. In the case of Hurricane Andrew in 1992, FKEC's local system was relatively undamaged, but some customers in South Florida were without electric service for up to five weeks. FKEC's service territory spans from the Monroe County Line to the Seven Mile Bridge, and damage assessment in our area will commence as soon as sustained winds drop below 45 mph. Immediately upon completion of the damage assessment survey, a decision will be made regarding the need for outside services.

Q:    What plans does FKEC have to request outside assistance, if needed?

A:    Every FKEC employee is mobilized after a storm to assist in storm restoration in some way. Additionally, we have "Mutual Aid Agreements" with a long list of other utilities, cooperatives and contractors, such as tree trimming crews, to assist us after a storm. If damage exceeds our capability to restore service in a reasonable time, we will request crews from other utilities.

Q:    How does FKEC manage all the extra phone calls during an emergency?

A:    FKEC uses an automated outage reporting system which links your phone number to your address, which is why it is critical that we always have your current phone number. The system takes customer calls and generates reports for prioritization according to our restoration plan. In an emergency, extra phone lines and additional people are assigned to the phones to help facilitate the increased call volume.

Q:    At what point are you likely to have specific data about outages by street address and/or neighborhood?

A:    Following a major storm, it could take three to five days or more to reach a point where restoration estimates can be made for localized neighborhoods and individuals still without power.

Scott is an active member of the Upper Keys community and is a past president, current director and president-elect of the Rotary Club of Key Largo, is a director for the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce and is co-founder and president of the Upper Keys Golf Association.

In 1994, Scott completed the three-year national electrical course for apprentice linemen to further his education in cooperative operations. He is a graduate of Leadership Monroe County Class XI and completed the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's Management Internship Program in 2005.

Scott graduated from Arkansas State University with a degree in Agriculture Business and Economics in 1986. In 1988, he began his career in the electricity industry when he joined the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) in Washington, D.C. With the REA, he worked first as a Commercial Loan Specialist and was later promoted to Power Requirements Officer before moving to the Florida Keys to join FKEC in 1990.