Duke Energy prepares for approaching winter storm

Core Points - Duke Energy is preparing for potential power outages due to a winter storm forecasted to bring snow and ice to the region [1][2] - The company emphasizes the importance of customer preparedness and has outlined various ways for customers to report outages and stay informed [5][6] Group 1: Storm Preparedness and Impact - The storm is expected to cause ice accumulation, which can lead to power outages by causing trees and branches to fall on power lines [2] - Ice buildup of a quarter inch or more significantly increases the likelihood of outages, with higher accumulations leading to more severe impacts [2] Group 2: Reliability Improvements - Duke Energy has been implementing grid improvements, including tree trimming, pole and line upgrades, and smart self-healing technology to reduce outages and restore power more quickly [3][4] - In 2024, self-healing technology helped avoid over 1.2 million customer outages in the Carolinas, saving approximately 3.4 million hours of total outage time, with nearly 60% of these benefits occurring during major storms [4] Group 3: Customer Communication and Safety - The company prioritizes restoring power safely and quickly after a storm while keeping customers informed about outages [5] - Customers are encouraged to prepare for potential outages by ensuring they have necessary supplies and following safety guidelines [6][12] Group 4: Energy Efficiency Initiatives - As temperatures drop, Duke Energy is promoting energy-saving tips to help customers manage their energy use and save money [8][9] - The company provides various low- to no-cost energy-saving tips, such as adjusting thermostat settings, maintaining heating systems, and using energy-efficient lighting [13] Group 5: Company Overview and Goals - Duke Energy is one of America's largest energy holding companies, serving 8.4 million customers across multiple states and owning 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity [10] - The company is committed to a clean energy transition, aiming for net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050 [11]