Duke Energy Projects 1M Could Lose Power Due To Winter Storm

CHARLOTTE, NC — Duke Energy projected that about 1 million households in North Carolina and South Carolina could lose power due to winter weather, which is expected to include freezing rain and ice accumulations throughout the greater Charlotte metro region.

"Ice buildup causing trees and branches to fall on power lines is usually the culprit for power outages during an ice storm. Ice buildup of a quarter-inch or more is often the threshold amount that causes trees and branches to fall," the power company said in a statement Wednesday.

The company said it has 5,400 line technicians and vegetation workers on standby to respond to outages.

Tuesday afternoon, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency for the state. The order calls for 40 National Guard personnel to assist with tree removal and provides for transportation waivers for utility companies positioning repair crews from other states.

"This forecast for icy weather is a real threat for widespread power outages," he said in a statement. "People need to be ready to stay home and be prepared to lose power for a while, especially in the northern, western and Piedmont counties."

The news comes as the National Weather Service predicted about two-tenths of an inch of ice is expected to accumulate in Mecklenburg County, with up to half an inch of ice northwest of the Interstate 85 corridor.

Duke Energy said it had completed aerial inspections of transmission lines and found no immediate threats. "The company has an adequate supply of electricity to meet energy demands; outages related to power generation are not expected," it said.

Duke Energy offered these tips:

• Have a plan in place now, in the event they experience an extended power outage.
• With temperatures forecasted to be below freezing Friday and Saturday in many areas of both states, customers should consider alternative locations for family members who are elderly or who have special medical needs, if outages are extended.
• When checking on neighbors and friends, be sure to follow social distancing recommendations, local orders and restrictions, and other CDC recommendations to protect yourself and others.

• 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, blankets, travel bags and other supplies that might be hard to find after a storm strikes. Your emergency kit should also include items that can help protect you and others from COVID-19, such as hand sanitizer, bar or liquid soap, and face coverings aligned with CDC guidance.
• Keep a portable radio or TV, or 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.
• 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 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.
• Before a storm hits, Duke Energy customers can sign up to receive outage alerts, and ensure contact information is current and communication preferences specified. Throughout the storm, the company will also provide updates to customers via email, phone, text and the website.

How To Report an Outage To Duke Energy

• Visit duke-energy.com on a desktop computer or mobile device.
• Use the Duke Energy mobile app – download the Duke Energy App from a smartphone via Apple Store or Google Play.
• Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply).
• Call Duke Energy’s automated outage-reporting system:
• Duke Energy Carolinas: 1-800-POWERON (1-800-769-3766)
• Duke Energy Progress: 800.419.6356