Duke Energy is preparing for a potential winter storm that could bring snow and ice, leading to possible power outages in some regions. The company is closely monitoring weather forecasts and advises customers to be ready for any disruptions.
"As snowy and icy conditions approach, we’re encouraging customers to prepare and have a plan in place in case they experience a power outage," said Jason Hollifield, Duke Energy’s storm director in the Carolinas. "Our crews are prepared and will work as quickly and safely as possible to restore power if outages occur for our customers."
The accumulation of ice on trees, branches, and power lines can lead to outages. Ice buildup of a quarter inch or more may cause trees and branches to fall onto power lines. Accumulations of half an inch or more can result in sagging or falling power lines. Additionally, heavy wet snow of six inches or more poses similar risks.
Duke Energy has been implementing grid improvements throughout the year to reduce outages and expedite restoration efforts when they occur. These enhancements include tree trimming around power lines, pole upgrades, line upgrades, and the installation of smart self-healing technology.
Self-healing grid technology can quickly identify outages and reroute power to restore service faster. In 2024 alone, this technology helped avoid over 1.2 million customer outages in the Carolinas, saving approximately 3.4 million hours of total outage time.
For those experiencing an outage during the storm, Duke Energy offers several reporting options: texting OUT to 57801 (standard charges apply), using the Duke Energy mobile app available on Apple Store or Google Play, visiting duke-energy.com/outages from any device, calling 800.POWERON (800.769.3766), or checking their interactive outage map online.
Customers are reminded to keep their mobile phones charged and have supplies like flashlights, batteries, bottled water, nonperishable foods, and medicines ready. If using a generator during an outage, it should be operated outside according to manufacturer instructions due to carbon monoxide risks associated with indoor use.
Additionally, customers should avoid downed or sagging power lines by considering them energized until reported otherwise. Alternative shelter arrangements should be made if necessary for families with special medical needs or elderly members affected by prolonged outages.
Duke Energy also provides energy-saving tips as temperatures drop this week. Suggestions include setting thermostats lower while maintaining comfort levels; changing air filters; leaving drapes open during sunny days but closing them at night; operating ceiling fans clockwise; sealing cracks with caulking; replacing bulbs with LEDs; setting water heaters at 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
As one of America's largest energy holding companies headquartered in Charlotte N.C., Duke Energy serves millions across multiple states through its electric utilities division while executing ambitious plans toward cleaner generation sources such as natural gas nuclear renewables alongside major grid upgrades aimed at building smarter future systems ensuring customer reliability value remain top priorities throughout transitions underway today.
More information about these initiatives along other related topics available via duke-energy.com along social media platforms including X LinkedIn Instagram Facebook illumination site featuring stories innovations driving ongoing transformations within industry sector nationwide globally alike!