The utility is gearing up for possible impacts in the area late Friday into Saturday.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Duke Energy is ramping up preparations for potential power disruptions as winter weather threatens the Charlotte region this weekend.
The utility company has activated its emergency response protocols and is coordinating with crews across multiple states. Spokesperson Logan Stewart wanted to assure customers the company is ready.
“Duke Energy has a detailed storm response plan,” Stewart said.
The company’s primary concern is ice accumulation, which could lead to widespread power outages.
“With ice, if we get a quarter of an inch that’s sitting on a tree branch, that’s kind of the breaking point where some of those trees and branches might start to topple,” she said. “That’s what can bring down power lines.”
Duke Energy is positioning response teams beyond the Carolinas, though deployment will depend on weather conditions.
“What we’re looking at right now is kind of that dividing line between rain, ice, and snow,” Stewart said.
Regardless, the company has implemented a rapid response protocol for power outages, promising a timely response.
“Crews are responding to every single individual outage, physically going to the location,” Stewart said. “We want to get power back on as quickly as possible. That’s our first priority.”
Officials urge residents to monitor local weather forecasts and prepare for potential service interruptions as the winter system approaches.
Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
