FridayOL

As hurricane season ramps up, North Carolinians are understandably concerned about potential power outages. But there's good news: Duke Energy is deploying a suite of innovative technologies and strategies to keep the lights on and communities connected, even during the most severe storms. This isn't just about fixing problems after they arise; it's about proactive resilience and a dramatically improved ability to anticipate, prevent, and rapidly restore power.

Smart Grid Advancements: The Foundation of Reliability

At the heart of Duke Energy's enhanced preparedness is a significant investment in smart grid technologies. These aren't your grandfather's power lines. We're talking about a network equipped with advanced sensors, real-time monitoring, and automated switching capabilities. Here's how it works:

• Automated Switches: When a storm hits and a line goes down, automated switches can instantly reroute power, isolating the damaged section and preventing widespread outages. This significantly reduces the number of customers affected and speeds up restoration.
• Advanced Sensors: These sensors constantly monitor the health of the grid, detecting potential problems – like overloaded transformers or damaged equipment – *before* they cause an outage. Early detection means proactive repairs and reduced risk.
• Real-Time Data Analytics: Sophisticated software analyzes the massive amount of data generated by the smart grid, providing operators with a comprehensive view of the system's performance and allowing them to make informed decisions in real-time.

Drone Technology: Eyes in the Sky for Faster Assessments

After a major storm, assessing the damage can be a lengthy and dangerous process. Duke Energy is now utilizing drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and LiDAR technology to quickly survey affected areas. These drones can:

• Identify Damaged Infrastructure: Pinpoint downed power lines, damaged poles, and flooded substations, providing a clear picture of the extent of the damage.
• Improve Safety: Reduce the need for crews to physically inspect hazardous areas, minimizing risks to personnel.
• Accelerate Restoration: Provide accurate information to dispatch crews and prioritize repairs, leading to faster restoration times.

Undergrounding Power Lines: A Long-Term Investment in Resilience

While smart grids and drones offer immediate benefits, Duke Energy is also making a significant long-term investment in undergrounding power lines. Undergrounding protects lines from wind, ice, and falling trees – the primary causes of storm-related outages. This project is a gradual process, focusing on areas with the highest risk and greatest impact on customers.

Enhanced Communication and Customer Support

Beyond the technological advancements, Duke Energy is also focused on improving communication with customers during storms. This includes:

• Mobile App Updates: Providing real-time outage information, estimated restoration times, and safety tips through the Duke Energy app.
• Social Media Engagement: Keeping customers informed via social media channels.
• Improved Customer Service: Ensuring that call centers are adequately staffed and prepared to handle a surge in inquiries.

Looking Ahead: Continuous Improvement

Duke Energy understands that resilience is an ongoing process. They are committed to continuously evaluating and improving their storm preparedness strategies, embracing new technologies and adapting to the evolving challenges of hurricane season. The investments being made today are designed to ensure that North Carolinians can weather the storms with confidence, knowing that Duke Energy is working tirelessly to keep the power on.