With the hazardous wintry precipitation from this weekend’s approaching winter storm, we’re estimating 750,000 customers to lose power in North Carolina and South Carolina, based on the storm’s current forecasted track, and power outages in some of the hardest-hit areas could last several days.
In advance of the storm, which could span two days, Duke Energy has strategically staged more than 10,000 workers – power line technicians, damage assessors and vegetation workers – across the Carolinas. About 4,100 of those workers are from other companies, some based in Texas and Oklahoma.
The more than 10,000 total workers also include Duke Energy crews normally based in Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky who have traveled to the Carolinas to assist North Carolina- and South Carolina-based Duke Energy workers. All crews are ready to begin power restoration as soon as weather conditions safely allow.
We’ve just issued this news release highlighting this information, and we’d welcome your help sharing with the community and encouraging them to be prepared: https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/duke-energy-estimates-750-000-customers-could-lose-power-in-carolinas-due-to-approaching-winter-storm-company-ready-to-respond
Communications to customers
We sent another email to residential and business customers this morning urging them to prepare now and stay safe throughout the storm. We especially encourage anyone with special medical needs or elderly family members to make alternative shelter arrangements now, in advance of the storm. Forecasts for storms of this nature can change rapidly. The difference of just a degree or two can make a tremendous difference in the amount of snow and ice – which in turn affects the amount of damage.
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
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
Original source can be found here.
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