Sanibel Mayor Richard Johnson and City Manager Dana Souza met with Lee County Electric Cooperative CEO Denis Vidal and Account Executive Tricia Dorn on Monday, Feb. 24, to discuss ongoing and future measures and plans for enhancing the resiliency of the island’s electrical grid.
The collaborative meeting focused on the critical infrastructure improvements required to bolster the island’s defenses against future storms and ensure a reliable power supply for residents.
“While no electric system is completely resilient to natural disasters, the city is steadfast in working with LCEC to do everything possible to maintain reliable power for residents and visitors,” the city said in a statement on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
During the meeting, the city and LCEC leaders reviewed the progress made in recent months, including upgrades to critical infrastructure and the development of advanced technologies to fortify the grid.
The planned enhancements include constructing a modern substation/service center on the island and implementing additional smart grid technologies that allow for real-time monitoring and quicker restoration of services.
“These initiatives build upon ongoing efforts to reinforce the electrical infrastructure of Sanibel against future storms,” the city said.
Mayor Johnson emphasized the importance of this continued partnership, stating, “Collaboration between the City of Sanibel and LCEC is vital as we work toward a more resilient future. By working together, we are taking steps to strengthen our infrastructure and remain prepared for the next major storm, with a focus on mitigating potential storm-related service interruptions.”
LCEC will provide an update on electrical infrastructure maintenance and improvements at the City of Sanibel’s annual Hurricane Seminar, which is being held in May.