In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, which made landfall on Florida's west coast as a Category 3 storm, Duke Energy is leading efforts to restore power to millions of affected residents. The hurricane caused widespread flooding and deadly tornadoes, resulting in significant power outages across the state. As of the latest reports, Duke Energy, one of the largest utility companies in the region, is working tirelessly to bring electricity back to its customers.

Duke Energy has mobilized 16,000 resources to expedite the restoration process. The company has set specific timelines for when power is expected to be restored in various counties. Most customers in Brevard, Citrus, Hernando, Highlands, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties are expected to have power by the end of Sunday, October 13. However, residents in Pasco and Pinellas counties may have to wait until Tuesday, October 15, for full restoration.

The utility company has been coordinating with other power companies, including Florida Power & Light and MonPower, to ensure a swift response. MonPower, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corporation, has sent 430 line workers to assist in the restoration efforts. This collaboration is part of a broader Mutual Aid Services initiative, where utility companies band together to provide support during major outages.

Despite the challenges, Duke Energy's CEO, Melissa Sexias, reassures customers that the company is committed to restoring power within days, not weeks. The company has also provided multiple channels for customers to report outages, including a mobile app and text messaging service.

As of the latest updates, Duke Energy has restored power to a significant number of customers, but many still remain without electricity. The company continues to work around the clock, with line workers operating double shifts to expedite the process. The restoration efforts are part of Duke Energy's broader commitment to maintaining reliability and customer satisfaction during natural disasters.