North Wake News

Duke Energy is continuing its response efforts following the historic flooding in Ohio and Kentucky that impacted many along the Ohio River. The company has restored power to over 70,000 customers affected by the severe weather that began Thursday evening and lasted through the weekend. As of Monday morning, the Ohio River had reached a crest of 60 feet.

The ongoing restoration efforts are particularly focused on the hardest-hit regions, as the company works in coordination with local authorities to handle the situation. In areas suffering from significant flooding, Duke Energy has completed approximately 500 natural gas shutoffs to ensure safety, with restorations planned once waters recede.

“Our crews have answered the call this past week and continue to work hard to restore natural gas and electric services to all of our communities,” said Amy Spiller, president of Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky. "We urge our customers to remain safe, as we may see additional flash flooding today (Monday) as a result of the heavy rainfall.”

Duke Energy has provided safety tips for customers dealing with potential flooding, emphasizing the danger of downed electrical lines and the importance of having homes inspected by licensed electricians if they were inundated. The company also advises against attempting to relight natural gas appliances following potential water damage, suggesting professional inspections to ensure safety.

Customers experiencing outages or emergencies are encouraged to contact Duke Energy through their hotline or mobile app. The company warns customers to remain cautious of scams, emphasizing that they will never ask for immediate payment or request prepaid credit card details over the phone.

Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides essential services to over 910,000 and 560,000 customers in electric and gas respectively, across Ohio and Kentucky. The parent company, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, serves millions across various states and is actively pursuing infrastructure upgrades and clean energy.

For those seeking more safety and weather resources, Duke Energy recommends downloading the American Red Cross Emergency app, sponsored by Duke Energy Foundation, which offers real-time safety features. Additionally, detailed power restoration information is available on Duke Energy's website, helping customers stay informed during outages.