Ice Storms
Feb. 28, 2003: Ice Storm Damage Severe In Duke Power's Triad/Triangle-Area |
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Duke Power crews are encountering extensive damage as they work to restore electric service to the more than 350,000 customers interrupted by Thursday's ice storm. Back
At 9:30 this evening, more than 85,000 of those customers have been returned to service. "Our system has sustained significant structural damage from this ice storm, particularly in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Burlington and High Point," said E.O. Ferrell, Duke Power's senior vice president of electric distribution. "There are many downed trees, snapped poles, broken cross arms and transformers and wire on the ground. We are working hard to rebuild the infrastructure, focusing first on public health and safety facilities, as quickly and safely as possible." More than 2,200 Duke Power line and tree personnel are supported by an additional 1,680 line personnel from other utilities. "We continue to work around the clock to restore our customers to service," Ferrell continued. "Yet, due to the extent of damage caused by this natural disaster, our restoration efforts will continue throughout midweek for those areas with the most intense damage. We encourage customers without electricity in the hardest hit areas to consider alternate arrangements based on this restoration estimate." Customers without power are encouraged to visually inspect their meter box and the service line connecting to their home to see if either is damaged. If so, Duke Power recommends that customers turn off their main electric breaker until that damage is repaired. If the meter box is damaged or pulled away from the building, customers need to contact a licensed electrician for repairs and their local county inspection office for an inspection. |
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