Press Release
Gulf Power Company News
For immediate release – Nov. 10, 2009
All power expected to be restored today
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.â€
At the height of the storm last night, around 5,000 of Gulf Power’s 429,000 customers – less than 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 throughout 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.â€
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).