Duke Energy estimates 1-3M power outages due to Florence in Carolinas

Gaston Gazette (Gastonia, NC)

Sept. 12--CHARLOTTE -- Duke Energy meteorologists are estimating power outages in the Carolinas from approaching Hurricane Florence could be between 1-3 million customers.

Massive outages, high winds and extreme flooding could push outage restoration for weeks. More than 20,000 personnel to attack restoration as soon as conditions allow.

"The magnitude of the storm is beyond what we have seen in years," said Howard Fowler, Duke Energy's incident commandor. "With the storm expected to linger, power restoration work could take weeks instead of days."

More than 20,000 people are in place to restore power -- the largest resource mobilization ever for Duke Energy. More than 8,000 Carolinas-based workers are being joined by 1,700 workers from Duke Energy Midwest and 1,200 from Duke Energy Florida to respond to this storm. And with 9,400 additional resources coming from other utilities to help.

"Despite our workforce, customers should continue to make plans for their homes and facilities," said Fowler. "It's important for people to know this is no ordinary storm and customers could be without power for a very long time -- not days, but weeks."

The governors of North Carolina and South Carolina have declared states of emergency in advance of the hurricane.

Restoring power after a massive storm can be extremely challenging for utility repair crews, as travel and work conditions can be impacted by high winds and widespread flooding -- making repair work lengthy and difficult.

"This will be a challenging time for our customers," added Fowler. "As the storm approaches, we want them to remain safe and we appreciate their patience as Duke Energy works to restore damage."

Storm updates and videos from Duke Energy can be found at www.dukeenergyupdates.com.

Important reminders

The following tips can help you stay safe if the power goes out:

--Stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging. Consider all lines energized as well as trees, limbs or anything in contact with lines.

--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 and other supplies that might be hard to find after a storm strikes.

--Maintain a supply of water and non-perishable food.

--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 the storm 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 can make arrangements to stay at evacuation shelters that accept pets, friends' or family members' homes or pet-friendly hotels.

--Review insurance policies, and include extra copies of the policies and other important documents in your emergency supply kit (ideally in a waterproof container).

--Report all power line hazards at Duke Energy Carolinas customers, 800-769-3766.

--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.

--Customers should stay tuned to local news for the latest advisories from the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center, as well as state and local emergency management officials.

For a "Hurricane Kit Checklist," and important safety information visit ready.gov. In addition, tips on what to do before, during and after a storm can be found at duke-energy.com/safety-and-preparedness/storm-safety.

A checklist serves as a helpful guide, but it's critical before, during and after a storm to follow the instructions and warnings of emergency management officials in your area.

Outage reporting

Before the storm hits, customers should note how to report power outages. Customers who experience an outage during the storm can report it by:

--Visiting duke-energy.com on a desktop computer or mobile device.

--Texting OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply).

--Calling the automated outage-reporting system at 800-769-3766 for Duke Energy Carolinas customers.

--For storm or power restoration updates, follow Duke Energy on Twitter (@DukeEnergy) and Facebook (Duke Energy).

High water

In anticipation of the forecast of potential significant rainfall from Hurricane Florence, Duke Energy continues to lower lake levels by moving water along all river basins and operating our available hydro units.

The designs of the company's dams and current water levels determine the best way to move water at any given time.

If we receive significant rainfall, lake levels will rise much more quickly due to runoff.

High-water safety reminders

People who live along lakes and rivers, and in other low-lying areas or areas prone to flooding, should pay close attention to local emergency management officials, national weather service and media for changing weather conditions and rising lake and river levels.

High water conditions can create navigational hazards and the public should use caution and adhere to the advice of local emergency management officials before going on area lakes or rivers.

Members of the public that have electrical service to facilities (piers, outside lighting on seawalls, etc.) on or near the water, should have a qualified electrical contractor de-energize this service to avoid injuries and equipment damage.

For updated lake level information, go to duke-energy.com/community/lakes or call Duke Energy's Lake Neighbor Information line at 800-829-Lake (5253).

Duke Energy

Headquartered in Charlotte, Duke Energy 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.

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Visit Gaston Gazette, Gastonia, N.C. at www.gastongazette.com

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