Duke Energy has asked its customers in the Carolinas to voluntarily reduce their electricity usage on Monday, Feb. 2, between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m., due to unusually cold temperatures that are increasing energy demand across the East Coast. The company noted that temperatures are expected to be 10 to 20 degrees below normal, putting additional strain on the power grid.
To help decrease demand during peak hours, Duke Energy recommended several measures: lowering thermostats to the lowest comfortable setting, avoiding the use of major appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers during the specified period, turning off unnecessary devices and lights, and for electric vehicle owners, charging vehicles midday when demand is lower.
Gerald Wilson, vice president of grid operations at Duke Energy, stated: “We know it’s inconvenient to reduce electric use, but it makes a real difference. 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 is one of the largest energy holding companies in the United States. It provides electric utilities service to 8.6 million customers across six states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in five states.
The company continues its focus on transitioning toward cleaner energy sources while maintaining reliability for its customers. Investments are being made in upgrading the electric grid as well as in newer forms of generation such as renewables and energy storage.
More details about Duke Energy’s initiatives can be found at duke-energy.com and through their official social media channels.
