FPL leadership team in Puerto Rico, 1,000 power line poles on way
Florida Power & Light said Monday that it mobilized and transported 1,000 power line poles, previously located in North Florida, to Port Canaveral and then to Puerto Rico to assist with the rebuilding of the electrical grid that was devastated by Hurricane Maria.
The poles were part of the company’s storm inventory that is stored near one of FPL’s substations in Flagler County. Thirty-three trucks delivered the poles to Port Canaveral where they will be loaded on a cargo ship scheduled to leave for San Juan, Puerto Rico this week.
FPL spokesman Bill Orlove said Tuesday that Puerto Rico’s electric utility will reimburse FPL for the cost of the 45-to 55-foot poles, but that he did not know what the cost is.
In addition, senior FPL leadership accompanied Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s energy company delegation to the U.S. territory on Nov. 3. Since that time, the FPL officials have remained in Puerto Rico where they have provided technical expertise and guidance to the restoration effort.
“As the destructive force of Hurricane Maria became apparent and even prior to completing our own Hurricane Irma-related restoration, FPL assembled a team of restoration professionals and made it known that we stood at the ready to offer our support to help rebuild Puerto Rico’s electrical infrastructure,” said Eric Silagy, president and CEO for FPL.
