As temperatures soar, Duke Energy has called on its customers in North Carolina and South Carolina to reduce their energy consumption during peak hours today from 3-8 p.m. This measure aims to ease the demand on the power grid and prevent possible isolated power outages.
Customers are encouraged to implement several strategies at home, such as raising the thermostat to the highest comfortable setting and postponing laundry until later in the evening or the following morning. They are also advised against prolonged use of electric ranges or ovens, which can increase indoor temperatures and make air conditioners work harder. Other suggestions include avoiding appliances like washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers during high-demand periods, considering outdoor grilling to keep indoor temperatures lower, and turning off unnecessary appliances and lights.
Ben Harrison, Duke Energy's vice president of grid operations – planning and operations stated, “We deeply appreciate our customers’ cooperation, patience and understanding as we work to help ensure the stability and reliability of the system.” He acknowledged that reducing electricity use during these hours might be inconvenient but emphasized that customer actions significantly impact everyone.
Duke Energy is a major energy holding company based in Charlotte, N.C., serving 8.6 million electric utility customers across six states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. It also provides natural gas services to 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio, and Kentucky. The company is actively working towards an energy transition focused on reliability by investing in grid upgrades and cleaner generation sources such as natural gas, nuclear energy, renewables, and energy storage.
For more information about Duke Energy’s initiatives or updates on their services visit duke-energy.com or follow them on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn Instagram Facebook