* Nearly 6,500 workers continue repairing major damage to electrical system in multiple counties.
Nearly 6,500 workers continue restoration work in multiple counties in both states where the storm caused extensive damage to utility poles, power lines and other equipment on Duke Energy's electrical system.
Repair work is expected to continue through the weekend.
Duke Energy crews based in the Carolinas, the Midwest and
As of
Duke Energy is providing storm information - including estimated power restoration times for specific counties, if those estimates have been determined - at: https://www.dukeenergyupdates.com/zeta.
Customers who are registered for Duke Energy text alerts will receive a text once an estimated restoration time is established for their location. (Sign up to receive outage alerts.)
In addition to making repairs, Duke Energy crews continue to survey the extent of damage in some of the hardest hit areas. Damage assessment is an important part of the power restoration process as it helps determine how the company can most efficiently deploy its workers, equipment and other resources.
"I want to again thank our customers for their patience as our crews work to safely restore power as quickly as possible," said
Hardest hit counties
Power restoration process
Duke Energy focuses on safely restoring power in a sequence that enables power restoration to public health and safety facilities, and to the greatest number of customers, as quickly as possible. Click here for information on how Duke Energy restores power.
Stay away from fallen power lines
The company reminds the public to stay away from fallen or damaged power lines - as they might still be energized and dangerous. Citizens should report downed power lines to Duke Energy immediately. Click here for a video demonstration and to read more about safety around power lines.
How to report power outages
Customers who experience a power outage can report using any of the following methods:
* Use the Duke Energy mobile app (download the Duke Energy App on your smartphone via
* Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply).
* Call Duke Energy's automated outage-reporting system:
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How to protect refrigerated food during power outages
For customers who lose power and have full refrigerators and freezers, the
* Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature.
* A refrigerator can keep food cold for about four hours if it is unopened. If the power will be out for more than four hours, use coolers to keep refrigerated food cold.
* A full freezer will keep the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
The FDA offers additional tips for proper food handling and storage before, during and after a power outage at www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/food-and-water-safety-during-power-outages-and-floods.
Duke Energy
Media contact: 800.559.3853
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