Post-Storm Restoration Plan

FKEC works year-round to stay prepared for hurricane and tropical storms.

The co-op adjust its restoration plan for different storm damage scenarios, but listed below are the seven general steps we follow:

Pre- & Post-Storm Plan

1. 1. FKEC checks and stocks all facility resources necessary to allow us to operate for 72 hours in stand-alone mode. Preparations include:
      • Stocking food and water to house employees and outside repair crews if necessary.
      • Checking operation of generators and fuel supply.
      • Securing all equipment and supplies inside warehouse.
   2. FKEC crews continue making repairs until conditions are no longer safe (winds exceed 45 mph). At this time, the final trucks are secured in the warehouse and the system is monitored throughout the storm.
   3. After a storm, FKEC first determines the extent of damage to the power supply from the mainland. Then, crews assess the damage to our transmission lines, substations, generation facility and distribution lines and quantify the equipment necessary for repairs. A restoration timeline is estimated.
   4. Depending on damage, FKEC first makes necessary repairs to the main transmission lines and to the six substations that transform our power to a usable voltage. FKEC’s generation facility may also provide limited power to critical services.
   5. Work is done to restore power to life and safety situations and essential community services (fire stations, hospitals, grocery stores, etc). Because of the design of FKEC’s electric system, power may be restored to nearby consumers also.
   6. Crews focus on repairing damage to neighborhood distribution lines and transformers. Work is done so the greatest number of people are restored in the least amount of time.
   7. Finally, power is restored to individual members with isolated issues (fallen trees, etc.) Damaged houses are evaluated one-by-one to determine if they can safely receive power. If so, those homes are then reconnected.