CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Almost 9,000
personnel are responding to Duke Energy power outages due to a
winter storm that is rolling through the Carolinas this
weekend.
Customers can follow the latest developments on the winter storm
and Duke Energy's efforts to restore power at:
https://www.dukeenergyupdates.com/.
As of noon today, the company reported 240,000 outages – 170,000
in North Carolina and 70,000 in
South Carolina. The company has
restored power to 80,000 customers since last night and early this
morning.
"We appreciate the patience of our customers, who are personally
dealing with the impacts of the storm," said Duke Energy Storm
Director Jason Hollifield. "We are
working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power to our
affected areas."
Among the hardest hit counties:
North Carolina:
Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Mecklenburg, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania and Wake counties.
South Carolina:
Greenville and Spartanburg counties.
A mix of heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain are causing
branches to sag and trees to fall, bringing power lines down with
them. Also, hazardous road conditions are resulting in vehicle
accidents. Cars hitting power poles and other electrical
infrastructure further increase the risk of power outages.
The company typically requires 12-24 hours to fully assess
damage from a significant weather event, even while simultaneously
restoring power. Winter storms can present additional challenges to
moving personnel and equipment within hard-hit areas.
Safety reminders
With temperatures below freezing, customers should make a plan
to move family members – especially those with special needs – to a
safe, alternative location in case an extended power outage occurs.
The company urges everyone to be prepared and stay safe – and
encourage other family members, friends and neighbors to do the
same.
- If you plan to 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 emit
carbon monoxide (CO). The following are symptoms of CO
poisoning:
-
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Ringing sensation in the ears
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Chest pains
- Light-headedness or dizziness
- If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, open doors and
windows, leave your home / business and consult a physician.
- 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.
- If a power line falls across a car that you're in, stay in the
car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other
immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to 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.
- If you are driving and encounter emergency responders or other
roadside work crews, remember to MOVE OVER, it's the law in
North Carolina and South Carolina, and a good practice for all
drivers.
Reporting outages
Customers who experience an outage during the storm have
multiple ways to report it:
- Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may
apply)
- Call the automated outage-reporting system at 800.POWERON for
Duke Energy Carolinas customers and 800-419-6356 for Duke Energy
Progress customers.
- Report an outage or view current outages online at
www.dukeenergyupdates.com
- Duke Energy will provide updates on its social media channels
to keep customers informed if significant outages occur:
- Duke Energy on Twitter: www.twitter.com/DukeEnergy
- Duke Energy on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DukeEnergy
About Duke Energy
Headquartered in Charlotte,
N.C., Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) is one of the largest energy
holding companies in the U.S., with approximately 29,000 employees
and a generating capacity of 49,500 megawatts.
The company's Electric Utilities and Infrastructure unit serves
approximately 7.6 million retail electric customers in six states –
North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio
and Kentucky.
Its Gas Utilities and Infrastructure unit distributes natural
gas to approximately 1.6 million customers in five states –
North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Its Commercial Renewables unit
operates a growing renewable energy portfolio across the U.S.
More information about the company is available
at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News
Center includes news releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and
other materials. Duke Energy's illumination features
stories about people, innovations, community topics and
environmental issues.
Follow Duke Energy on
Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
Contact: Corporate Communications
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
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SOURCE Duke Energy