CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Duke Energy Carolinas officials are asking customers to continue to reduce their electricity use on Friday to help avoid potential high-energy demand and stress on the electrical grid caused by frigid temperatures.
Another day of historic low temperatures is expected. The most critical time to reduce electricity usage is between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Warmer temperatures, area schools delaying openings, customer conservation efforts and activation of the companys voluntary energy demand programs lessened energy demand on Thursday and helped Duke Energy to meet its customers needs.
"We want to thank our customers for answering our call to reduce their usage on Thursday," said Nelson Peeler, Duke Energy vice president of transmission system operations. "While our systems are performing well and we have sufficient generation resources to meet our customers energy needs, we need our customers to continue their energy-saving efforts to help lessen the stress on the system during these extreme weather conditions."
Duke Energy offers the following tips:
- Reduce your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting when home, and bump the thermostat down a degree or two when leaving home.
- Turn off unnecessary lighting.
- Postpone household chores that require electrical appliances.
- Unplug cellphone / tablet chargers. These devices draw energy even when not in use.
- Operate ceiling fans in a clockwise direction, which pushes warm air back down into the room.
- Leave your drapes or blinds open to allow the sun’s rays to warm the house.
- Find these and other tips at duke-energy.com. Just click on the “save energy and money” link.
Detailed Grid Management Plan
Duke Energy has a detailed plan to manage the power grid in extreme conditions.
This includes:
- Running all available generation units;
- activating a number of voluntary customer programs that reduce energy demand;
- purchasing power from other utilities; and
- requesting customers to voluntarily reduce their energy usage.
Power Outages
The low temperatures will put higher stress on mechanical equipment used to generate and deliver electricity. Isolated equipment problems are possible, which could result in unplanned scattered outages.
Customers who experience power outages should call Duke Energys automated outage-reporting systems for their respective utility:
- Duke Energy Carolinas: 1-800-POWERON (1-800-769-3766)
- Duke Energy Progress: 1-800-419-6356
Customers may also report an outage or view current outages online at duke-energy.com/storms.
If you lose power, please turn off as many appliances and electronics as possible. This will help with restoration efforts as it will reduce the immediate demand on the power lines when power is restored.
Once your power is restored, wait a few minutes before turning on your equipment.
For energy conservation tips, videos and additional information, visit duke-energy.com, and click Conserve is the word.
You can also receive updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DukeEnergy and www.facebook.com/DukeEnergy.
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 250 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at www.duke-energy.com.