Charlotte Prepares for Winter Storm with Duke Energy’s Assistance

News Summary

As winter approaches, Duke Energy is gearing up for a potential storm impacting Charlotte and nearby areas. Forecasts suggest icy conditions and heavy snow, leading to risks of power outages. Duke Energy has taken proactive measures to enhance grid reliability, urging customers to prepare for winter weather by having emergency supplies ready. The company emphasizes the importance of safety and restoration efforts, maintaining a commitment to service despite the challenges presented by severe weather.

Charlotte Braces for Winter as Duke Energy Prepares for Potential Storm

As winter settles in across the Carolinas, Duke Energy is gearing up for a potential storm that could rumble through the region and bring about some serious weather challenges. Residents of Charlotte, North Carolina, as well as surrounding areas, are encouraged to take necessary precautions as forecasts predict the possibility of icy conditions and heavy snow.

Winter Weather Warnings and Power Outage Risks

Storm Director Jason Hollifield and the team at Duke Energy are keeping a close eye on weather forecasts, as they anticipate conditions that could lead to power outages. Customers should be particularly alert for possible ice accumulation of a quarter inch or more, which could cause branches and trees to topple onto power lines. If the ice accumulation reaches half an inch or more, the risks increase, leading to sagging and, ultimately, downed power lines.

To add to the mix, if heavy, wet snow accumulates to six inches or more, it could contribute to further downed trees and branches affecting the power grid. This is not just a minor inconvenience; disruptions in power can affect millions of customers across several states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.

Keeping the Lights On

In preparation for these predicted storms, Duke Energy has been proactively enhancing their grid reliability. This includes tree trimming, pole and line upgrades, and deploying self-healing technology. These enhancements have proven effective in the past, helping to avoid over 1.1 million customer outages in 2024 alone, resulting in approximately 3.3 million hours of outage time saved.

Despite their extensive efforts to prevent outages, Duke Energy still advises customers to be ready for the unexpected. If power does go out, their focus is always on restoring it safely and efficiently. Keeping customers informed throughout the restoration process is also a priority.

Preparing for Winter Weather

For those preparing for the chillier days ahead, Duke Energy shares some useful energy-saving tips to help manage electricity use during this cold snap. By staying informed and proactive, customers can minimize the impact of potential outages.

A History of Consistent Service

While severe winter storms can disrupt services, it’s worth noting that Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, has a long-standing tradition of reliability. The company has been paying cash dividends on its common stock for 99 consecutive years, illustrating its commitment to financial stability and customer service. In fact, they recently declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.045 per share, payable on March 17, 2025, for shareholders of record by the close of business on February 14, 2025.

In addition to electricity, Duke Energy also serves 1.7 million natural gas customers, and they are working hard to achieve net-zero methane emissions from their natural gas business by 2030, with the goal to hit net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. This commitment to sustainability and customer service has earned the trust of millions across the Carolinas and beyond.

Conclusion

As winter approaches and storms loom on the horizon, it’s essential for everyone in the region to stay informed and prepared. Duke Energy is doing its part to enhance the grid and protect its customers, but everyone plays a role in weathering the storm. Keeping safety a priority now can make all the difference in what could potentially be a challenging winter ahead.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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