Sanibel transmission line expected be energized today | News, Sports, Jobs – Sanibel-Captiva Islander

LCEC officials reported that LCEC and FPL crews and support workers, supported by efforts from the governor’s office, are expected to energize the transmission line on Sanibel some time today, Oct. 14.
It is still early for an estimated restoration time, officials reported.
LCEC serves nearly 11,000 customers on Sanibel and Captiva. Officials reported that the goal is to restore power as quickly and safely as possible to those able to receive power and ensure the infrastructure is available for those who will rebuild homes or businesses destroyed by Hurricane Ian.
Officials reported that travel to and from the island has been a challenge without the option of vehicular traffic. Mobilization by barge began last week but was not without challenges due to the timing of the tides, weight restrictions, the quantity and size of the equipment and materials, and the number of workers traveling to the island. Earlier this week, a convoy of hundreds of utility and support trucks and vehicles reached the island through a one-time emergency roadway access. This expedited staging and allowed crews to begin preliminary work on the transmission and substation infrastructure.
Assessment, testing and scrubbing of critical equipment was required before energizing, officials reported. Simultaneously, crews began working to set poles and prepare installation of wire and other facilities to energize the backbone of the system.
Officials reported that in addition to hundreds of FPL line workers, the restoration operation on the island includes LCEC substation electricians, design engineers, warehouse workers, base camp coordinators, logistics experts, emergency operations representatives and safety personnel.
Copyright © SANIBEL-CAPTIVA – Island Reporter, Islander and Current | https://www.captivasanibel.com | 2340 Periwinkle Way P.O. Box 809, Sanibel Island, FL 33957 | 239-472-1587

source