- Mix of snow and ice could cause power outages in some
regions
- Customers are encouraged to prepare in advance for potential
outages
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 18,
2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy is monitoring
forecasts and preparing for a mixture of snow and ice, which could
cause power outages in some areas.
"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."
Potential for ice accumulation on trees, branches, power
lines
The type of precipitation in a winter storm can increase the
likelihood of power outages. Ice buildup of a quarter inch or more
on trees and branches can cause them to fall on power lines and
create power outages. Higher accumulations of a half inch or more
can cause power lines to sag or even fall as well. Heavy, wet snow
of 6 inches or more also can cause trees and branches to fall on
power lines.
Reliability improvements help reduce outages
Duke Energy works on grid improvements throughout the year to
help avoid outages and restore power faster when outages occur.
These improvements include tree trimming around power lines, pole
and line upgrades, and installing smart, self-healing
technology.
Self-healing grid technology quickly identifies power outages
and reroutes power to restore service faster for customers when an
outage occurs. In 2024, self-healing technology helped avoid more
than 1.2 million customer outages in the Carolinas, saving around
3.4 million hours of total outage time. Nearly 60% of those
benefits were achieved during major storms.
Outage reporting
After a storm hits, restoring power as safely and quickly as
possible is our top priority, while keeping our customers
informed.
Customers who experience an outage during a storm can report it
the following ways:
- Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may
apply).
- Use the Duke Energy mobile app. Download the Duke Energy app
from a smartphone via Apple Store or Google Play.
- Visit duke-energy.com/outages on a desktop computer or mobile
device.
- Call the automated outage reporting system at 800.POWERON
(800.769.3766).
- Visit our interactive outage map to find up-to-date information
on power outages, including the total number of outages systemwide
and estimated times of restoration.
Winter storm safety reminders
We encourage customers to prepare for a potential outage during
the anticipated extremely cold weather. Here are important safety
reminders:
- Ensure mobile phones remain charged and you have an adequate
supply of flashlights, batteries, bottled water, nonperishable
foods and medicines.
- If you use a generator, follow the manufacturer's instructions
to ensure safe and proper operation. Operate your generator
outside, and never in a building or garage.
- Do not use grills or other outdoor appliances indoors for space
heating or cooking, as these devices may emit carbon monoxide.
- Stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging.
Consider all lines energized as well as trees or limbs in contact
with lines. Report any downed power lines to Duke Energy or local
emergency services.
- Make alternate shelter arrangements, as needed, if you are
significantly affected by a loss of power – especially families who
have special medical needs or elderly members.
- If a power line falls across a car that you are in, stay in the
car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other
immediate life-threatening situation, jump clear of the car and
land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching
the car when your feet touch the ground.
- Ice and snow can cause hazardous driving conditions. If you do
have to travel and see utility or emergency crews working along the
road, remember to move over or slow down.
More tips on what to do before, during and after a storm can be
found
at duke-energy.com/safety-and-preparedness/storm-safety.
Ways to save energy and money as temperatures drop this
week
As temperatures drop this week, Duke Energy is here to help our
customers take control of their energy use and save money through
no-cost, low-cost energy efficiency tips. For energy-saving tips,
check out our Winter Energy Savings webpage
at duke-energy.com/WinterEnergySavings.
Low- to no-cost energy-saving tips
- Reduce your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting. The
closer you match your thermostat to outdoor temperatures, the more
you can save.
- Change your air filter and schedule regular maintenance for
your heating systems. Maintaining your heating systems can help
increase efficiency.
- Leave drapes or blinds open during sunny winter days to allow
the sun's rays to warm the house, but close them at night to help
insulate your home.
- Operate ceiling fans in a clockwise direction in the winter to
push warm air back down into the room.
- Seal cracks in windows, doors and vents with caulking and
weatherstripping to save 10% to 20% in heating costs.
- Replace standard bulbs with LEDs. LEDs are more efficient than
regular bulbs, while giving off the same amount of light.
- Set your water heater to 120 degrees. Water heating is
typically the second-biggest user of energy in your home.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in
Charlotte, N.C., is one of
America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric
utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio
and Kentucky, and collectively own
54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities
serve 1.7 million customers in North
Carolina, South Carolina,
Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.
Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition,
keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the
forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions
from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions
from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in
major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including
expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear.
More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke
Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram
and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people
and innovations powering our energy transition.
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/duke-energy-prepares-for-approaching-winter-storm-302379297.html
SOURCE Duke Energy
