Published 1 year ago
We are prepared for Hurricane Milton.
Hurricane Milton is impacting our service area. The call center is only taking storm-related calls, and the lobby is closed until further notice.
We are prepared for Hurricane Milton. We urge you to be prepared and stay safe by visiting Storm Season and download our Hurricane Guide.
FAQs for Hurricane Milton
1. If my power is out, does Lakeland Electric already know?
Yes, we are aware that your power is out. There’s no need to report a power outage, as our team is already on it. Our call center is staffed to take electrical emergency and downed power line calls. Calling will not speed up your restoration service.
2. If I call multiple times, will my power be restored quicker?
Please understand that calling multiple times about your power outage will not expedite restoration. Our team is working diligently to restore power quickly and safely. We appreciate your patience during this time.
3. Will crews show up immediately if I report a downed power line?
Crews will not be dispatched to downed power lines until it is deemed safe. This typically means waiting until sustained winds are below 40 m.p.h. or other hazard conditions have been mitigated. Safety is our top priority, both for our crew and the community.
4. Do I get billed when my power is out?
When your power is out, you are not being billed for electricity usage since your meter isn’t recording any consumption during the outage. Your bill reflects the electricity you use, so if there’s no power being supplied, there’s no usage being billed. However, any fixed or service availability charges as part of your bill may still apply regardless of power outages.
5. My neighbor’s power is on, but mine is out. Have you forgotten me?
No, we haven't forgotten you. Power outages can sometimes affect only specific sections of the network due to how the electrical grid is segmented or specific issues like a tripped breaker or a localized fault affecting only your property. Rest assured, we are working to restore power to all affected areas as quickly and safely as possible. Remember to check your main breaker or fuse panel to see if you can reset the breaker or replace a fuse to restore power yourself.
6. Are you turning power off before the storm arrives?
No, we do not preemptively turn off power before the storm. The protective disconnect devices on all electrical equipment remain energized until adverse conditions cause them to shut off. The devices will not be switched on until they’re inspected to ensure safe re-energizing.
7. What is the difference between overhead and underground electric service?
Overhead service is mainly exposed to high winds and flying debris. Underground facilities are subject to flooding or damage by uprooted trees. Both have unique complexities involved with restoration.
8. How long will I be without power?
We work aggressively to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. If necessary, we also bring in crews from other areas to assist. Even with all this, it is very difficult to guarantee or even estimate when your service will be restored because of variables like weather, equipment, etc.
9. Why do Lakeland Electric crews leave my neighborhood, and I still don’t have power?
Before we begin repairs, personnel are sent to survey storm-damaged areas. This speeds up restoration and helps us immediately address any dangerous situations. Damage Assessment Teams are trained to assess and determine the priority and type of crew needed to make repairs. They arrange for tree and pole crews needed so that line crews can repair the lines. We may need to work elsewhere to fix the problem affecting your neighborhood.
10. What should you do when a traffic light is entirely out?
Any intersection with a completely dark traffic signal should be treated as a stop sign intersection. If you reach the intersection at the same time as another vehicle, yield to the driver on the right. Yield to any vehicle that reaches an intersection before you.
11. What if I incur significant damage to my home or business that requires me to temporarily or permanently relocate?
Contact Lakeland Electric Customer Service by calling 863-834-9535. You can also update your information online at www.lakelandelectric.com/MyAccount.
12. I'm Medically Essential will I lose power? Will my power be restored faster?
This program provides Lakeland Electric customers with reasonable prior notice of power interruption due to scheduled service maintenance.
In the event of emergency power failures due to natural causes or unforeseen system problems, the program cannot provide prior notification. In these situations, it is the customer's responsibility to have a back-up power system for their medical equipment, as well as an action plan for proceeding to the nearest medical facility. To pre-register for shelter or transportation assistance during an emergency in the Polk County Special Needs Program, please call 863-298-7027.
We are prepared for Hurricane Milton. We urge you to be prepared and stay safe by visiting Storm Season and download our Hurricane Guide.
FAQs for Hurricane Milton
1. If my power is out, does Lakeland Electric already know?
Yes, we are aware that your power is out. There’s no need to report a power outage, as our team is already on it. Our call center is staffed to take electrical emergency and downed power line calls. Calling will not speed up your restoration service.
2. If I call multiple times, will my power be restored quicker?
Please understand that calling multiple times about your power outage will not expedite restoration. Our team is working diligently to restore power quickly and safely. We appreciate your patience during this time.
3. Will crews show up immediately if I report a downed power line?
Crews will not be dispatched to downed power lines until it is deemed safe. This typically means waiting until sustained winds are below 40 m.p.h. or other hazard conditions have been mitigated. Safety is our top priority, both for our crew and the community.
4. Do I get billed when my power is out?
When your power is out, you are not being billed for electricity usage since your meter isn’t recording any consumption during the outage. Your bill reflects the electricity you use, so if there’s no power being supplied, there’s no usage being billed. However, any fixed or service availability charges as part of your bill may still apply regardless of power outages.
5. My neighbor’s power is on, but mine is out. Have you forgotten me?
No, we haven't forgotten you. Power outages can sometimes affect only specific sections of the network due to how the electrical grid is segmented or specific issues like a tripped breaker or a localized fault affecting only your property. Rest assured, we are working to restore power to all affected areas as quickly and safely as possible. Remember to check your main breaker or fuse panel to see if you can reset the breaker or replace a fuse to restore power yourself.
6. Are you turning power off before the storm arrives?
No, we do not preemptively turn off power before the storm. The protective disconnect devices on all electrical equipment remain energized until adverse conditions cause them to shut off. The devices will not be switched on until they’re inspected to ensure safe re-energizing.
7. What is the difference between overhead and underground electric service?
Overhead service is mainly exposed to high winds and flying debris. Underground facilities are subject to flooding or damage by uprooted trees. Both have unique complexities involved with restoration.
8. How long will I be without power?
We work aggressively to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. If necessary, we also bring in crews from other areas to assist. Even with all this, it is very difficult to guarantee or even estimate when your service will be restored because of variables like weather, equipment, etc.
9. Why do Lakeland Electric crews leave my neighborhood, and I still don’t have power?
Before we begin repairs, personnel are sent to survey storm-damaged areas. This speeds up restoration and helps us immediately address any dangerous situations. Damage Assessment Teams are trained to assess and determine the priority and type of crew needed to make repairs. They arrange for tree and pole crews needed so that line crews can repair the lines. We may need to work elsewhere to fix the problem affecting your neighborhood.
10. What should you do when a traffic light is entirely out?
Any intersection with a completely dark traffic signal should be treated as a stop sign intersection. If you reach the intersection at the same time as another vehicle, yield to the driver on the right. Yield to any vehicle that reaches an intersection before you.
11. What if I incur significant damage to my home or business that requires me to temporarily or permanently relocate?
Contact Lakeland Electric Customer Service by calling 863-834-9535. You can also update your information online at www.lakelandelectric.com/MyAccount.
12. I'm Medically Essential will I lose power? Will my power be restored faster?
This program provides Lakeland Electric customers with reasonable prior notice of power interruption due to scheduled service maintenance.
In the event of emergency power failures due to natural causes or unforeseen system problems, the program cannot provide prior notification. In these situations, it is the customer's responsibility to have a back-up power system for their medical equipment, as well as an action plan for proceeding to the nearest medical facility. To pre-register for shelter or transportation assistance during an emergency in the Polk County Special Needs Program, please call 863-298-7027.
