Repairing the grid after a major hurricane is a complex task, experts said. Utilities first have to send crews out to inspect the damage before they can figure out how best to restore service. That assessment can take days, and heavy flooding and debris from the storm can delay workers trying to reach key areas.
Full restoration of power could take weeks in many areas, Florida Power & Light (FPL) said, due to expected damage to the company's system. FPL is a unit of Florida energy company NextEra Energy.