Duke Energy prepares for Tropical Storm Debby in the Carolinas; encourages customers to plan ahead

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy Carolinas is preparing for Tropical Storm Debby expected to hit the Carolinas mid to late week. The company is positioning over 6,100 skilled workers to respond to potential widespread outages caused by heavy rain and strong winds. Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) encourages customers to:

• Create or update emergency supply kits
• Keep portable radios or TVs for weather updates
• Charge electronic devices in advance
• Plan for alternative locations if evacuation is needed
• Update contact information for proactive updates
• Download the American Red Cross Emergency app

Duke Energy Carolinas serves 2.9 million customers across a 24,000-square-mile area in North and South Carolina. The parent company, Duke Energy, is executing an ambitious clean energy transition, aiming for net-zero methane emissions by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Positive

• Duke Energy is proactively preparing 6,100 skilled workers for potential storm response
• The company serves a large customer base of 2.9 million in the Carolinas
• Duke Energy is executing a clean energy transition plan with specific net-zero emission targets

Negative

• Potential widespread power outages due to Tropical Storm Debby could affect service and revenues
• Increased costs associated with storm preparation and potential damage repair

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy Carolinas is monitoring and preparing for the approaching tropical storm-like weather expected mid to late week.

While the storm's projected path is not yet fully known, conditions are favorable for heavy rain and strong winds, which could lead to widespread outages. The company plans to have more than 6,100 skilled workers strategically placed and ready to respond as the storm moves through the Carolinas.

"We are closely monitoring weather conditions and are making preparations to respond quickly and safely if needed," said Jason Hollifield, Duke Energy Carolinas storm director. "While the storm's path is still uncertain, we encourage our customers to plan in advance."

Below are some recommended safety and preparedness tips before a storm: 

• Create (or update) an emergency supply kit to save valuable time later. The kit should include everything an individual or family would need for at least two weeks, especially medicines, water, non-perishable foods and other supplies that might be hard to find after a storm hits. 
• Keep a portable radio or TV or a NOAA weather radio on hand to monitor weather forecasts and important information from state and local officials. 
• Charge cellphones, computers and other electronic devices in advance of storms to stay connected to important safety and response information. Consider purchasing portable chargers and make sure they are fully charged as well. 
• Maintain a plan to move family members – especially those with special needs – to a safe, alternative location in case an extended power outage occurs, or evacuation is required.  
• Pet owners should arrange to stay at evacuation shelters that accept pets; friends' or family members' homes; or pet-friendly hotels. 
• Make sure contact information is up to date and communication preferences are noted in your account so you can receive proactive updates from Duke Energy on the status of power outages.  
• Additionally, customers are encouraged to download the enhanced American Red Cross Emergency app for weather safety. The latest version of the app, sponsored by the Duke Energy Foundation, is free, available in both English and Spanish and offers a variety of features including emergency checklists, interactive maps of open shelters and the ability to monitor multiple locations for weather alerts. 

For more tips on how to prepare for severe weather, please visit duke-energy.com/StormTips, and make sure to follow the instructions and warnings of emergency management officials in your area.

Duke Energy Carolinas
Duke Energy Carolinas, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 20,700 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2.9 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 24,000-square-mile service area in North Carolina and South Carolina.

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 Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

Contact: Shawna Berger
Media line: 800.559.3853
Twitter: @DE_ShawnaB

 

 

 

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SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

How is Duke Energy (DUK) preparing for Tropical Storm Debby in the Carolinas?

Duke Energy is positioning over 6,100 skilled workers to respond to potential widespread outages caused by Tropical Storm Debby. The company is closely monitoring weather conditions and encouraging customers to prepare in advance with emergency supply kits and updated contact information.

What are Duke Energy's (DUK) clean energy goals?

Duke Energy aims to achieve 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.

How many customers does Duke Energy Carolinas serve?

Duke Energy Carolinas serves 2.9 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers across a 24,000-square-mile service area in North Carolina and South Carolina.

What safety tips does Duke Energy (DUK) recommend for customers ahead of Tropical Storm Debby?

Duke Energy recommends creating an emergency supply kit, keeping a portable radio or TV for updates, charging electronic devices in advance, planning alternative locations if evacuation is needed, updating contact information, and downloading the American Red Cross Emergency app.