Duke Energy Braces for Winter Storm: Grid Resilience and Customer Safety

As winter approaches, Duke Energy is preparing for potential power outages caused by snow, ice, and freezing rain. The company is taking proactive measures to ensure grid reliability and keep customers safe during the upcoming storm. Duke Energy's storm director in the Carolinas, Jason Hollifield, encourages customers to prepare and have a plan in place in case they experience a power outage.

Duke Energy's grid modernization and reliability improvements help mitigate potential power outages during the winter storm. These improvements include tree trimming around power lines, pole and line upgrades, and the installation of smart, self-healing technology. According to the company, self-healing grid technology quickly identifies power outages and reroutes power to restore service faster for customers when an outage occurs. In 2024, self-healing technology helped avoid more than 1.1 million customer outages in the Carolinas, saving around 3.3 million hours of total outage time. Nearly 60% of those benefits were achieved during major storms, indicating the effectiveness of Duke Energy's grid modernization efforts in reducing the impact of winter storms on power outages.



Duke Energy recommends several key safety measures and energy-saving tips for customers to prepare for and cope with winter storms. These include ensuring mobile phones remain charged and having an adequate supply of flashlights, batteries, bottled water, nonperishable foods, and medicines. If using a generator, follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe and proper operation. Generators should be operated outside, never in a building or garage, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not use grills or other outdoor appliances indoors for space heating or cooking, as these devices can emit carbon monoxide, which can be deadly. 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. Report any downed power lines to Duke Energy or local emergency services. Make alternate shelter arrangements, as needed, if significantly affected by a loss of power, especially for families with special medical needs or elderly members. If a power line falls across a car, stay in the car. If you must get out due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, jump clear of the car and land on both feet, ensuring no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.



Duke Energy's self-healing grid technology plays a significant role in restoring power faster during outages caused by winter storms. This technology quickly identifies power outages and reroutes power to restore service faster for customers when an outage occurs. In 2024, self-healing technology helped avoid more than 1.1 million customer outages in the Carolinas, saving around 3.3 million hours of total outage time. Nearly 60% of those benefits were achieved during major storms, indicating its effectiveness in mitigating the impact of severe weather events like winter storms.

In conclusion, Duke Energy is taking proactive measures to ensure grid reliability and keep customers safe during the upcoming winter storm. By investing in grid modernization and reliability improvements, the company is better equipped to handle potential power outages caused by snow, ice, and freezing rain. Duke Energy's self-healing grid technology contributes to faster power restoration during outages caused by winter storms, and the company provides valuable safety tips and energy-saving advice to help customers prepare for and cope with the challenges that winter storms may bring.