June 30, 2006

FKEC STARTS TWO-WEEK HELICOPTER PROJECT JULY 5TH

Florida Keys Electric Cooperative will conduct its annual helicopter inspections and maintenance along U.S. 1 starting Wednesday, July 5. The project is scheduled to last up to two weeks depending on weather conditions. The aerial work will be performed from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the daily location will be determined by wind and traffic conditions.

Business owners and residents along U.S. 1 from the Monroe County Line to Marathon are asked to secure any loose, unattached items such as furniture, plants or other goods displayed near or below the main transmission lines.

Drivers should exercise caution but proceed normally while the helicopter is overhead.

The aerial inspection increases the reliability of our local electric service and ultimately prevents power outages through regular system maintenance. With 1,300 transmission poles to inspect, FKEC has hired Haverfield Corporation to perform the inspection and maintenance work from the air to save time, labor and money. Nine miles of the route cross open water, and many of the land-based poles are also located in areas that are difficult to reach from the ground.

FKEC members with questions can call member service at 852-2431 or 743-5344.