Tested & Proven Restoration Plan

FPL follows and executes a three-phase Emergency Preparedness Plan – preparedness, restoration and recovery – which allows for an effective execution of the plan and efficient deployment of personnel, resources and materials.

Preparedness phase

It is during this phase that FPL’s workforce is trained, resources are secured, and systems are tested. Prior to the start of the season, FPL prepares and trains its workforce which includes its storm dry run where employees practice their storm assignments and test new systems so that they have the tools and knowledge to perform a safe and speedy restoration in the aftermath of a hurricane. Also during this phase, FPL coordinates assistance agreements with other utilities for out-of-state support and supplies/equipment are ordered and stored.

Restoration phase

FPL’s priority in the aftermath of a hurricane is to restore service to affected customers as soon as possible. Here is how the restoration works:

• FPL uses a damage forecast model in conjunction with storm tracking systems to create a detailed estimate of the storm damage and based on that, a preliminary restoration plan is developed.
• Based on the restoration plan, field crews are pre-stationed and staging sites are selected within the vicinity of the communities likely to be affected by the storm. Once the storm passes, FPL makes an assessment of the damage, refines the restoration plan and directs its field crews to work at the affected areas.

Recovery phase

Once the restoration phase is complete and every customer who can receive power is restored, FPL enters into a recovery phase that focuses its attention toward bringing the system to its pre-storm state. A detailed patrol or post-restoration assessment is conducted and FPL then establishes a plan to complete the repairs in a timely fashion. Staging sites used during the restoration phase might stay operational for an extended period of time to support the effort.