With a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain forecasted for the Carolinas on Friday,

Duke Energy crews are ready to work quickly and safely to restore power when and if outages occur.

We encourage our customers to prepare as well and have a plan in advance of the storm.  

Winter storm precipitation which leads to ice build-up of more than a quarter of an inch on trees and branches can cause them to fall on power lines and create outages. Heavy, wet snow of more than 6 inches can also cause limbs to break.  

Read our latest press release: Duke Energy prepares for winter storm in the Carolinas | Duke Energy | News Center

Outage reporting

Customers who experience an outage during a storm can report it the following ways: 

• Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply). 
• Use the Duke Energy mobile app. Download the Duke Energy App from a smartphone via Apple Store or Google Play. 

• Visit duke-energy.com/outages on a computer or mobile device.

• Call the automated outage-reporting system at 800.POWERON (800.769.3766).

• Visit our interactive outage map to find up-to-date information on power outages, including the total number of outages systemwide and estimated times of restoration. 

Winter storm safety reminders

We encourage customers to prepare for a potential outage during the anticipated extremely cold weather. Here are important safety reminders:

• Ensure mobile phones remain charged and you have an adequate supply of flashlights, batteries, bottled water, nonperishable foods and medicines.

• If you use a generator, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safe and proper operation. Operate your generator outside, and never in a building or garage.
• Do not use grills or other outdoor appliances indoors for space heating or cooking, as these devices may emit carbon monoxide.

• 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 you are significantly affected by a loss of power – especially families who have special medical needs or elderly members.

• If a power line falls across a car that you are in, stay in the car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, 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.

• Ice and snow can cause hazardous driving conditions. If you see utility or emergency crews working along the road, remember to move over or slow down.

More tips on what to do before, during and after a storm can be found at duke-energy.com/safety-and-preparedness/storm-safety.

Ways to save energy and money as temperatures drop this week

As temperatures drop this week, Duke Energy is here to help our customers take control of their energy use and save money through no-cost, low-cost energy efficiency tips. Get tips, learn about incentives, and sign up for usage alerts and other tools to save money at duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings.