Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Hurricane Wilma

Electric companies prepared for storm

By Times Staff
Published October 24, 2005

Scott Sutton, spokesman for Progress Energy, said crews from North Carolina and throughout Florida will be driving into the Tampa Bay area to help crews in case Wilma knocks out power.

"We are mobilizing everyone we can at this point," Sutton said. "With Wilma still unsure about what she's going to do, we are mobilizing and we will be ready, but the exact number of crews we will have deployed will be determined by Wilma herself."

Sutton said his company is prepared for a direct hit, but it expects only tropical storm conditions.

Ross Bannister, spokesman for Tampa Electric, said crews deployed to help in Katrina-ravaged Louisiana are back in town in case Wilma strikes. "We've been making sure we have the right sort of hardware and equipment on the ground," he said. "What we're doing is preparing for what we think will be a significant wind and rain event along the lines of a giant thunderstorm."

Here is how you can reach your power company:

-- Progress Energy: toll-free 1-800-228-8485.

-- Tampa Electric: 813-223-0800 or toll-free 888-223-0800.

-- Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative: (352) 567-5133 or (727) 868-9465.

-- Sumter Electric Cooperative: (352) 793-3801.

Isolated gas shortages have been cropping up, but supplies at retail outlets appeared to be in good shape, said state Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Colleen Castille. And there's more waiting to be shipped in, Gov. Jeb Bush said.

He said 220-million gallons of fuel were in storage at the state's ports Sunday. Also, 131-million gallons were due to arrive on 29 ships in Florida in the next three days.

-- Compiled from Times staff reports

[Last modified October 24, 2005, 12:52:14]