Duke Energy crews restore power to more than 43,000 from supercell storm affecting more than 95,000 customers
- Company has brought in small army of 730 to supplement statewide workforce
- Customers can stay informed by texting REG to 57801
The storm initially caused outages from
Crews have been making repairs while assessment remains underway to determine the full scope of damage. Duke Energy will provide power restoration time estimates as more information about damage assessment becomes available. Extended outages are possible, however, in the hardest-hit areas. Rough terrain, in particular in
"We have brought in more than 730 additional resources – linemen, damage assessors and tree clearing workers – to supplement our statewide workforce and speed power restoration," said
The company is responding to broken poles, trees in power lines and spans of wire down. "We also had damage on our electric transmission system, which includes power lines and structures that are our major carriers of power, but have made good progress on restoring those major 'power highways,'" Pinegar said.
Power restoration process
During power restoration, the company's priority is to repair large power lines and other infrastructure that will return power to the greatest number of customers as safely, quickly and efficiently as possible. Additionally, we also prioritize essential services such as hospitals and water pumping and treatment facilities. Crews then can work on repairs affecting individual neighborhoods and homes. Click here for information on how Duke Energy restores power.
How to report power outages
Customers who experience a power outage can report using any of the following methods:
- Visit duke-energy.com on a desktop computer or mobile device.
- Use the Duke Energy mobile app (download the Duke Energy app on your 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 at 800.343.3525.
Customers can receive text, phone or email alerts with power outage updates. Learn how to sign up at outage alerts. Customers can stay informed by texting REG to 57801.
Important safety tips
Duke Energy urges customers to avoid all downed power lines and assume they are energized.
If a power line falls across a vehicle that you're in, stay in the vehicle. If you MUST get out of the vehicle due to an immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the vehicle and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the vehicle when your feet touch the ground.
More tips on what to do before, during and after a storm can be found at duke-energy.com/safety-and-preparedness/storm-safety.
Contact:
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
Twitter: @DE_AngelineP
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SOURCE Duke Energy