CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 11, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy
has restored more than 685,000 outages after a weekend winter storm
rolled through the Carolinas, dumping record amounts of snow and
ice.
As of noon today, a total of 45,000 Duke Energy customers were
still without power – 31,000 in North
Carolina and 14,000 in South
Carolina.
"Our workforce of 9,000 is restoring power to customers as fast
as safely possible," said Duke Energy storm director Jason Hollifield. "However, the job is not
finished. We continue to work to bring electricity back to the
hardest-hit areas of the Carolinas."
Hollifield added his thanks to customers, who have been patient
during the storm and supportive of workers in the field. "Our crews
are working long hours in tough conditions. They're thankful for
the kind words from customers as they continue to restore power in
challenging conditions."
At the peak of the storm – Sunday afternoon between 2-3 p.m. – 305,000 Duke Energy customers were
without power. Overall, roughly 730,000 outages occurred during the
event.
Estimated power restoration times
The company has provided estimates of when power will be
restored to remaining customers whose properties can receive power.
Most customers' power will be restored sooner than these
estimates:
https://www.duke-energy.com/outages/current-outages
Impacted customers who are registered to receive Duke Energy
text alerts will receive a text once an estimated restoration time
has been established for their property.
Latest general storm information –
https://www.dukeenergyupdates.com/.
Safety reminders
With evening temperatures at or below freezing, customers should
heed the advice of state and local emergency management officials
in North Carolina and
South Carolina. Both states have
mobile apps for the latest information on shelters and other
needs.
- 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.
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.
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
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SOURCE Duke Energy