Duke Energy’s lineworkers, tree trimmers, and storm support teams have begun assessing damage and restoring power following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in the Carolinas. Significant wind damage, flooding, and adverse road conditions have affected areas, particularly in western North Carolina and South Carolina.
As of 4 p.m., approximately 1.34 million Duke Energy customers are without power—703,000 in North Carolina and 639,000 in South Carolina. The company has already restored power to over 380,000 customers, including about 281,000 in North Carolina and 99,000 in South Carolina. However, ongoing flooding and road closures are hindering restoration efforts, especially in the hardest-hit regions.
Duke Energy plans to communicate estimated restoration times to customers via dukeenergyupdates.com, Outage Alerts, and its Outage Map as damage assessments progress.
“Helene’s powerful winds and historic rainfall have caused extensive damage, and it may take days to restore power to all customers,” said Jason Hollifield, storm director for Duke Energy in the Carolinas. “We have over 11,000 storm workers committed to restoring service quickly and safely, with additional resources being brought in to assist.”
Customers are encouraged to report power outages through the Duke Energy app, website, by texting OUT to 57801, or by calling 800.POWERON (800.769.3766).
Power Restoration Process
Before restoration can begin, workers must assess the extent of the storm damage, which can take 24 hours or more. Duke Energy prioritizes restoring power safely, focusing first on public health and safety facilities, while also considering the number of customers affected.
Pre-Storm Preparations
In anticipation of the storm, Duke Energy positioned equipment and approximately 11,000 workers—including power line technicians, damage assessors, and vegetation crews—across the Carolinas. This workforce includes Duke Energy employees, contractors, and personnel from other electric companies in 19 U.S. states and Canada.
Safety Recommendations
Duke Energy urges customers to stay informed through local news for updates from emergency management officials and offers the following safety tips:
- Avoid downed power lines: Treat all fallen or sagging lines as energized and keep clear of trees or other objects in contact with them.
- Stay in your vehicle: If a power line falls on your car, remain inside unless there’s an immediate danger. If you must exit, jump clear of the vehicle and land on both feet.
- Avoid floodwaters: Do not walk, swim, or drive through any floodwaters.
- Use generators safely: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, operating generators outside in well-ventilated areas, and never inside buildings or garages. Turn off the generator when utility crews are present.
- Turn off power if evacuating: If flooding threatens your home, switch off power at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
- Stay vigilant around water: Electric current travels easily through water; avoid downed lines and flooded areas.
- Inspection required post-flooding: Duke Energy cannot restore power to flooded homes until the electrical system is inspected by a licensed electrician. Any necessary repairs must be made, and verification from local building inspection authorities is required before power can be reconnected.
