Duke Energy is asking customers in the Carolinas to reduce their electricity use during peak hours on Monday, Feb. 2, due to extremely cold weather that is causing higher-than-normal energy demand across the region. The company is requesting voluntary reductions between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. to help manage strain on the grid and minimize the risk of temporary power outages.
To help ease demand, Duke Energy suggests that customers lower their thermostats to the lowest comfortable setting, avoid using major appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers during the requested hours, turn off unnecessary devices and lights, and for electric vehicle owners, charge vehicles midday when overall demand is lower.
“We know it’s inconvenient to reduce electric use, but it makes a real difference.” said Gerald Wilson, Duke Energy vice president of grid operations. “We are taking every step to meet our customers energy needs, including maximizing our generation and purchasing power and working with large commercial and industrial customers who have demand response programs. We appreciate our customers’ cooperation, patience and understanding as we work to maintain reliable service across the Carolinas.”
Duke Energy serves approximately 8.6 million electric utility customers in several states including North Carolina and South Carolina, and owns more than 55,000 megawatts of energy capacity. The company also provides natural gas services to about 1.7 million customers in multiple states.
The company has stated its commitment to an ongoing energy transition focused on reliability by investing in grid upgrades and cleaner generation sources such as natural gas, nuclear power, renewables, and energy storage.
More information can be found at duke-energy.com or through Duke Energy’s social media channels.
