MIAMI, Oct 30, 2005 -- BUSINESS WIRE

 

More than 2.2 million of its 3.2 million customers left without power due to Hurricane Wilma now have their electric service back, Florida Power & Light Company said on its sixth full day of restoration in the storm's wake.

Over the next few days as FPL and assisting crews continue to repair the remaining damaged main lines, large numbers of customers will get their electric service restored. After that, as workers attack damage to the more numerous smaller lines, access to these lines and to the severely damaged equipment that may require extensive repair work is often more difficult. As a result, the restoration process will be slower, particularly in the hardest hit areas of Palm Beach and Broward counties and north Miami-Dade County.

The company urges its customers to stay safe during this post-storm period, a time when peoples' routines are disrupted and they may not be aware of certain safety issues. When operating generators, please refer to the manufacturers' instructions, plug appliances directly into the generator, and never operate a generator inside the house, in the garage or near an open window. When working outdoors, stay away from downed power lines and check in all directions so you can stay well away from power lines before you set up ladders or use tools. In your home, to help you safely be ready when power comes back on: make sure ovens, stoves and toasters are turned off (if you were cooking when the power when out, these appliances may still be on); also, make sure your air conditioner is turned off to protect it from surges.

Florida Power & Light Company is the principal subsidiary of FPL Group, Inc. (NYSE: FPL), nationally known as a high quality, efficient and customer-driven organization focused on energy-related products and services. With annual revenues of more than $10 billion and a growing presence in 26 states, FPL Group is widely recognized as one of the country's premier power companies. Florida Power & Light Company serves 4.3 million customer accounts in Florida. FPL Energy, LLC, FPL Group's wholesale electricity generating subsidiary, is a leader in producing electricity from clean and renewable fuels. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.FPL.com , www.FPLGroup.com  and www.FPLEnergy.com .

SOURCE: Florida Power & Light Company

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