ST. CLOUD, Fla. – Have you ever been at home with the sun shining, yet the power goes out in your home? Some residents in the Gramercy Farms neighborhood of St. Cloud report experiencing frequent power interruptions regardless of the weather conditions.
Kenny Boucher, a small business owner operating Next Level Painting from his home, described the frustration caused by these brief power outages.
“We are talking a rolling blackout. Everything in your house goes on and off,” Boucher explained.
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Boucher’s business depends on reliable electricity as he teaches people how to paint miniature figurines online. However, he and several neighbors have reached out to News 6 with concerns about constant power bumps occurring at various times of day and night.
“Everyone is having the same experience,” Boucher said. “You’re sitting there having dinner with your family. The power is out. Everything’s off. You have to turn it back on. The AC, everything resets, which is super disruptive.”
The neighborhood’s electrical service is provided by the Orlando Utilities Commission. In response to these reports, OUC issued a statement acknowledging the issue and confirming an ongoing investigation.
According to OUC, momentary outages tend to increase during summer months due to lightning, storms or wildlife interference.
“If a tree branch or a squirrel contacts an above ground power line, OUC’s system automatically senses it and very briefly opens the line,” the statement said. “These types of momentary outages are an important tool in keeping OUC’s electrical system up and running.”
News 6 observed when OUC contacted Kenny Boucher to initiate their investigation. While OUC representatives indicated they would inform the community if a substantive problem is identified, they currently do not believe that is the case.
Residents of Gramercy Farms continue to await updates as the investigation proceeds, hoping for a resolution to the disruptive power interruptions affecting their daily lives and livelihoods.
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