Duke Energy says they’re less worried about ice and more focused on the sustained cold temperatures.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As North Carolina deals with winter weather, local energy providers say they are ready to go.
“They’re making sure the equipment is working well so we can reliably provide electricity to our customers, and that is our first priority,” Duke Energy spokesperson Caroline Fountain said. “We have our line workers who are continuing to do their work as they do, making sure our poles and our wires are good.”
She says they’re not worried about ice on power lines in the same way they were for the last bout of winter weather two weeks ago. They’re more focused on how long it will be this cold.
“Really extremely cold weather and sustained cold weather that’s going to be below freezing pretty much through the week,” Fountain said.
For mountain communities, Blue Ridge Energy says they’re just as prepared, despite the frigid temperatures.
“This is the most significant outbreak of cold weather we’ve seen, really, since December of 2022, so this is the worst cold we’ve seen in years,” spokesperson Jacob Puckett said.
While both companies say their crews are ready, there are things you can do to help.
“Tighten up their house. Maybe secure some of those drafts around windows and doors. Maybe use an alternate heat source, like gas logs or a fireplace, and just hunker down through this cold weather,” Puckett said.
Fountain said these are also good tips to save on your bill.
“Lowering your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting, and that’s going to help save on your energy use in your home,” Fountain said. “You can also take advantage if we do have a sunny day to open the blinds and the curtains in order to let the warmth in.”
Fountain added that one of the main causes of power outages is drivers hitting equipment or power poles, so use extra caution when driving.
