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Keeping The Power On: Duke Brings In Heavy Equipment After Fire

    Duke Energy is undertaking extensive repairs on a Grand Island substation that was damaged by fire last week.  Duke has moved in a mobile substation to support operations in the area, a hulking, wheeled unit that is dispatched during emergency situations.
    “Duke Energy has mobile substations that we are able to deploy in emergency situations, helping increase system resiliency after hurricanes, severe storms, and other power disruptions,” said Audrey Stasko, Lead Communications for Duke Energy in Florida.  
    Stasko said the company invests in a variety of equipment to assist in emergency situations, as can be common during Florida’s storm season. It is believed the Grand Island substation was struck by lightning, igniting a fire that left the substation damaged and power out to nearly 10,000 homes.
    The repair at the substation is expected to be completed during August.
    "Duke Energy's size and scale are an asset during storms and major outages," Stasko said.  "We review all of our key material inventories in preparation for hurricane season and severe weather.  We also have emergency agreements with our primary suppliers. They're prepared to provide additional materials in the wake of a major weather event if needed."
    The fire that damaged the substation occurred around 6:45 p.m. on July 21.  Power was restored completely around 4 a.m.
    "Duke Energy appreciates our fire rescue and first responders who arrived, communicated with our crews, and extinguished the fire quickly and safely," Stasko said.  "Additionally, their work saved a second transformer located within the substation.  Our year-round community collaboration is vital to storm preparedness and response after major events and outages."