CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – Duke Energy crews and grid operators managed record-breaking power usage during an extended period of cold temperatures in the Carolinas, the company said Thursday.
According to a news release, the Carolinas service area experienced about 65 hours of freezing or below freezing temperatures beginning Jan. 20, which the area has not experienced since January 2018.
Preliminary numbers show that Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress achieved a new combined peak usage record on Jan. 23 of 37,387 MWh of electricity consumption, beating the previous record of 36,670 MWh set on Feb. 20, 2015.
Also read: Warmer temperatures coming to Charlotte region: What to know
“When temperatures are cold, our customers count on us to generate and deliver reliable power,” said Ben Harrison, Duke Energy vice president of grid operations – planning and 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 have worked to help ensure we can reliably serve our customers in all types of weather.”
Ways to save energy and money as temperatures drop:During the winter, reduce your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting. The longer your house remains at the lower temperature, the more energy you save.Set your water heater to 120 degrees or less. Water heating is typically the second-biggest user of energy in your home.Leave drapes or blinds open on the sunny side of the home to allow the sun’s rays to warm the house, but close them at night to help insulate your home.Operate ceiling fans in a clockwise direction in the winter to push warm air back down into the room.Cover drafty windows. Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of window frames during the cold winter months. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration.Install tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.
Duke Energy said it relies on a diverse energy mix to meet growing energy needs across the state. That mix includes nuclear, natural gas, hydro renewables and coal, all of which are needed when demand for electricity is high. They expect those energy needs to continue to increase as they work to meet customer and economic growth in the region.
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Visit Duke Energy’s website for tips, guidance and assistance to help lessen seasonal bill impacts.
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