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Florida Matters: Shining Light On The Power Grid

Stephanie Colombini
/
WUSF Public Media
Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham (l) joined in the Donis Studio by panelists Ana Gibbs with Duke Energy and Ralph Fehr with the University of South Florida

Florida’s power companies have invested billions and billions of dollars to harden the electrical grid since the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005. Could you tell?

If you lost power after Hurricane Irma – and 6.5 million homes did – it may have been hard to discern how things have improved in the last dozen years.

This week on Florida Matters we’re talking about electrical power, from lessons learned after the recent storm-related power outages to how utilities are diversifying their power sources to include options like solar.

Our guests include:

Credit Photo provided by Ralph Fehr

Ralph Fehr, Ph.D: power systems expert and electrical engineering instructor at the University of South Florida

Credit Photo provided by Ana Gibbs

Ana Gibbs: spokeswoman for Duke Energy

Credit Photo provided by Nick Evans

Nick Evans:reporter at WFSU in Tallahassee

We’re planning to do more on this topic including an upcoming show on alternative energy. Let us hear your thoughts and experiences. What’s the best way to cope with a power outage? Are you considering trying out a renewable power source like solar or wind in your home or business?

Share your questions and comments with us on Facebook, on Twitteror by emailing FloridaMatters@wusf.org

I cover health care for WUSF and the statewide journalism collaborative Health News Florida. I’m passionate about highlighting community efforts to improve the quality of care in our state and make it more accessible to all Floridians. I’m also committed to holding those in power accountable when they fail to prioritize the health needs of the people they serve.
Robin Sussingham was Senior Editor at WUSF until September 2020.