FPL installs new utility poles to help prevent power outages

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FORT MYERS, Fla.- Florida Power & Light (FPL) is making some crucial installations to make the power system more durable year-round.

The improvement will benefit thousands of people in Lee County.

FPL installed massive utility poles that can withstand winds up to 130 miles an hour. The poles service Lee Memorial Hospital and Fort Myers Senior High School as well as 2,000 local homes and businesses.

“They help make our system stronger and they help us restore service to our customers faster after a storm,” said Florencia Contesse, FPL spokesperson.

Saturday marks 10 years since Hurricane Wilma hit the west coast of Florida at 120 miles per hour.

Contesse says the new concrete polls weighing nearly 8,000 pounds will help speed up power restoration after intense storms.

“The poles are stronger and that enables our system to be stronger and to be better prepared for severe weather,” said Contesse.

FPL spent $2 billion dollars strengthening its system which means critical places like hospitals, police and fire stations and 911 emergency centers will be able to keep running in potentially dire circumstances.

The ongoing upgrades will build a stronger electric grid so that customers aren’t left in the dark.

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