Duke Energy Update: Winter Weather Preparations
With forecasts calling for potential snow, sleet and freezing rain in the Carolinas this weekend, Duke Energy is preparing to respond to possible power outages. Heavy, wet snow or freezing precipitation can cause outages due to the weight they create on tree limbs, which can break or sag onto power lines.
Duke Energy has service crew workers, line technicians and other storm personnel available across the Carolinas service regions to respond to power outages that may occur this weekend, once conditions are safe.
Weather can be unpredictable, so we’re encouraging customers to be prepared for whatever conditions occur. Prepare for winter weather and outages that may impact them by doing the following:
- Ensure an adequate supply of flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable foods, medicines, etc., as well as the availability of a portable, battery-operated radio, TV or weather radio.
- 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. Please report downed power lines to Duke Energy or local emergency services.
- If you use a generator due to a power outage, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safe and proper operation. Operate your generator outside; never operate it inside a building or garage.
- Don’t use grills or other outdoor appliances or equipment indoors for space heating or cooking, as these devices may omit carbon monoxide.
- Customers should make alternate shelter arrangements as needed if you will be significantly impacted by a loss of power – especially families who have special medical needs or elderly members.
Reporting power outages
Customers who experience power outages should call Duke Energy's automated outage-reporting systems for their respective utility:
Duke Energy Carolinas: 1-800-POWERON (1-800-769-3766)
Duke Energy Progress: 1-800-419-6356
Customers may also report an outage or view current outages online at www.duke-energy.com/outages or text OUT to 57801
Duke Energy will also provide updates on its social media channels to keep customers informed if significant outages occur:
Duke Energy on Twitter: twitter.com/DukeEnergy
Duke Energy on Facebook: facebook.com/DukeEnergy
We’d welcome your help sharing information and updates on your social media channels. Also, please let us know if you have someone we should provide updates to directly for social media content.
