Duke Energy : Florida monitors Tropical Depression Nine and prepares for severe weather

• Emergency response plan and storm center activated

• Infrastructure improvements strengthen grid and improve reliability

• Company urges customers to be prepared

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Duke Energy Florida will stage workers from Florida, the Carolinas and surrounding states in north Florida, in preparation for Tropical Depression Nine.

The company is closely monitoring the weather system, which could potentially strengthen and bring heavy rainfall, strong winds and localized flooding to portions of the Duke Energy Florida service area.

Placing crews near areas that will likely be affected by this system allows for the most rapid response after a storm passes through.

Despite system improvements and rigorous tree trimming, wind-blown debris can cause power outages. When outages occur for any reason, Duke Energy is committed to restoring power as safely and quickly as possible, while keeping customers informed throughout the process.

'Duke Energy Florida has invested nearly $1.4 billion to harden our system against storms since the 2004 hurricanes,' said Alex Glenn, Duke Energy state president - Florida. 'These investments include trimming trees, replacing wood transmission structures with steel or concrete and installing grid automation and Smart Grid devices which help to improve service reliability and reduce both the length and number of outages.'

Customers should be prepared

In a 2015 Duke Energy survey, the company found the majority of Florida residential and small business customers were not prepared for hurricane season. Seven out of 10 did not have hurricane supplies, or had not put together a preparation kit in at least two years. Nearly 60 percent did not have an emergency evacuation plan.

Customers are encouraged to develop their own hurricane plans and prepare in advance of a storm.

• Check supplies of flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable foods, medicines, etc.

• Ensure a portable, battery-operated radio, TV or NOAA weather radio is on hand.

• Do not bring a generator inside. Such equipment should be operated only outdoors, and only in well-ventilated areas. Manufacturer instructions should be followed.

• Check on family members, friends and neighbors who have special medical needs or who are elderly, to ensure they have necessary emergency supplies, and determine now what action they would take in the event of an extended power outage.

• For a 'Hurricane Kit Checklist,' important safety tips and more information on what to do before, during and after a storm, visit www.duke-energy.com/storm, then click 'Outage & Storm Information' under Duke Energy Florida.

Outage reporting and status updates

Customers who are without power should report their outage by:

• Visiting our mobile website at m.duke-energy.com

• Texting OUT to 57801 (Standard text and data charges may apply)

• Calling the automated outage-reporting system at 800.228.8485

For storm or power restoration updates, follow Duke Energy on Twitter (@DukeEnergy) and Facebook (Duke Energy).

About Duke Energy Florida

Duke Energy Florida owns and operates a diverse generation mix, including renewables, providing about 9,100 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 1.7 million customers in a 13,000-square-mile service area.

With its Florida regional headquarters located in St. Petersburg, Fla., Duke Energy is one of the largest electric power holding companies in the United States. Its regulated utility operations serve approximately 7.4 million electric customers located in six states in the Southeast and Midwest, representing a population of approximately 24 million people. Its Commercial Portfolio and International business segments own and operate diverse power generation assets in North America and Latin America, including a growing portfolio of renewable energy assets in the United States.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is an S&P 100 Stock Index company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com.

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Media contact: Ana Gibbs

Twitter: DE_AnaGibbs