Duke Energy asks for continued energy conservation as power restoration continues following extreme winter temperatures

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy reported significant disruptions in power service due to extreme cold weather and high energy demand, affecting approximately 500,000 customers in the Carolinas. The company implemented rotating outages to maintain grid stability and is actively restoring power after a high-wind event caused additional outages for 40,000 customers. Customers are urged to conserve energy to avoid further outages, particularly during the cold snap. Duke Energy's operations serve over 8.2 million customers across multiple states and own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity.

Positive

• Power restoration efforts are expected to complete today.
• Duke Energy successfully averted more severe disruptions by implementing rotating outages.

Negative

• Rotating outages affected approximately 500,000 customers.
• Potential for further outages remains as extreme temperatures persist.

• Saturday's rotating outages to protect overall energy grid concluded
• Crews continue to restore power from Friday's winter weather

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy asked customers to conserve energy usage as crews restored power following rotating outages in the Carolinas in response to high-energy demand Saturday morning.

Due to extreme cold weather causing increased demand and a shortage of available power in the Southeast region, the company was forced to interrupt service to about 500,000 customers to maintain the energy grid and prevent further disruptions. Power is currently being restored and should be completed today.

"This winter blast and customer demand has been unprecedented in recent history of our region and company," said Jason Hollifield, Carolinas Storm Director. "Like other utilities, Duke Energy took action to protect the overall energy grid – avoiding damage that could have meant even longer outages."

Hollifield explained the company has systems in place to target prioritized circuits that can reduce energy demand to best maintain the electric system. That process stopped mid-morning Saturday. Duke Energy crews are bringing back service to those who experienced outages as a result of high demand and expect those customers to be restored today.

"We appreciate the patience and support from our customers," said Hollifield. "While it is possible we will experience rotating outages again tomorrow, customers can help keep the lights on for everyone by conserving their energy use for the next 24 hours."

The company continues to ask for energy conservation during the extreme cold temperatures in the Carolina to help avoid rotating outages in the early morning hours of Christmas Day. Energy conservation can help keep power on for all customers. Customers can find tips on the Lower My Bill Toolkit.

The company is also restoring power to about 40,000 customers who experienced outages from a high-wind event on Friday. The company will communicate directly with those customers to let them know when they can expect service to be restored.

If your power is off, turn off appliances and other electrical devices that may have been on when the power went out, so there's not an immediate surge on the system when power is restored.

Bringing many customers back online during extremely cold temperatures can add stress to the system.

Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 28,000 people.

Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2022 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "World's Best Employers" list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

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SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

What caused Duke Energy's power outages on December 24, 2022?

The outages were due to extreme cold weather leading to high energy demand and a shortage of available power.

How many customers were affected by Duke Energy's rotating outages?

About 500,000 customers experienced rotating outages.

What actions is Duke Energy taking to restore power?

Duke Energy crews are actively working to restore power and ask customers to conserve energy.

What is the expected timeline for power restoration by Duke Energy?

The company expects all power restoration to be completed today.

What should customers do during Duke Energy's power restoration efforts?

Customers should turn off appliances to prevent surges when power is restored.