FKEC_BID_26-07_EXHIBIT_M_SWITCHING_BLACKOUT_DAYS_2026.pdf

This is a blackout days schedule exhibit for a Florida Keys Electric Cooperative (FKEC) switching project related to their self-supporting poles upgrade and utility protective measures initiative in Florida. The document establishes restricted periods during 2026 when switching activities cannot occur, with blackout dates strategically aligned with significant local events, elections, and holidays. Notably, blackout periods include January 1-2 (New Year's), the week of Mini Season (week 29-30 in July), Florida Primary Election on August 18, Goombay Festival and Fantasy Fest (October 16-25), Election Day on November 3, Thanksgiving week (November 23-27), Christmas week (December 21-25), and New Year's Eve (December 30-31). These restrictions ensure that switching operations for the utility upgrade project do not interfere with major community events, electoral processes, or holiday periods that would significantly impact the Florida Keys' residents and visitors.

The blackout schedule demonstrates FKEC's commitment to minimizing project disruption during critical periods for the local community. By restricting switching activities during peak tourism seasons, election days, and major holidays, the cooperative acknowledges the interdependency between infrastructure maintenance and community operations. This scheduling approach is essential for a project involving replacement of eleven transmission structures across the Florida Keys region, where service interruptions during high-traffic periods or civic events could have substantial economic and operational consequences. The document provides bidders and contractors with clear constraints for project execution planning and resource allocation throughout the 2026 calendar year.