CHARLOTTE, NC (LOOTPRESS) – Duke Energy crews and grid operators successfully maintained reliable power for customers as the Carolinas experienced an extended period of below-freezing temperatures, leading to record-breaking energy consumption.
The cold snap, which spanned approximately 65 hours starting January 20, marked the region’s coldest sustained period since January 2018. On January 23, Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress combined to reach a new peak usage record of 37,387 megawatt-hours (MWh), surpassing the previous record of 36,670 MWh set on February 20, 2015.
“When temperatures are cold, our customers count on us to generate and deliver reliable power,” said Ben Harrison, Duke Energy’s vice president of grid operations. “I commend the efforts of the crews at our power plants, in grid control rooms, and in the field across the region for their work around the clock. We had a strong plan in place and worked to ensure we could reliably serve our customers in all types of weather.”
Diverse Energy Sources Meet Demand
Duke Energy relies on a mix of energy sources, including nuclear, natural gas, hydroelectric power, renewables, and coal, to meet increasing customer demand. As energy needs continue to grow, the company plans to expand its energy infrastructure to support both population and economic growth in the region.
Energy-Saving Tips for Winter
During the colder months, Duke Energy encourages customers to make small adjustments to manage energy usage and reduce costs:
- Thermostat: Set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting. Keeping it lower for extended periods saves energy.
- Water Heater: Reduce the water heater temperature to 120 degrees or lower to save energy.
- Sunlight: Open drapes on sunny sides of the home during the day for natural heat and close them at night to insulate.
- Ceiling Fans: Operate fans clockwise in winter to circulate warm air.
- Drafty Windows: Cover drafty windows with heavy-duty plastic or install insulating drapes or shades to reduce heat loss.
Manage Usage with Alerts and Tools
Duke Energy offers tools to help customers monitor and manage energy use:
- Usage Alerts: Customers with a smart meter and an email address on file receive automatic alerts when nearing personalized usage limits.
- Mobile App: The Duke Energy app provides hourly and daily usage data, offering insights into energy consumption patterns.
- Winter Energy Savings Programs: Visit duke-energy.com/WinterEnergySavings for additional tips, incentives, and programs to help customers save during the colder months.
Commitment to Reliability and Savings
Duke Energy’s ability to maintain reliable service during extreme weather highlights its preparedness and the dedication of its workforce. Customers are encouraged to take advantage of energy-saving resources and tools to help manage seasonal bills effectively.
For more information on energy-saving tips and programs, visit duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings.
