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Duke Energy Recognized for Outstanding Response to Winter Storm Fern

In September 2026, Duke Energy was nationally honored for its commendable response efforts during Winter Storm Fern, an event that severely impacted the Carolinas. The storm, which occurred in January, unleashed a barrage of freezing rain, sleet, and snow, leading to extensive power outages across the region. Once the storm subsided, Duke Energy quickly mobilized resources to restore power to nearly 200,000 customers.

Restoration Efforts

Duke Energy's proactive approach involved deploying over 15,000 personnel, including line workers, vegetation management teams, and damage assessors. Impressively, the company restored power to 95% of affected customers within a mere 24 hours, restoring full service to everyone within 48 hours. This remarkable efficiency was partly made possible by the implementation of self-healing technology, which mitigated almost 27,000 potential outages during the storm's aftermath. As a result, customers in the hardest-hit areas of Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina saved nearly 150,000 total hours of outage time.

Edison Electric Institute's (EEI) Emergency Recovery Award

Duke Energy was awarded the Edison Electric Institute’s Emergency Recovery Award for demonstrating exceptional commitment and effectiveness during the crisis. This recognition seeks to honor electric companies that showcase exemplary performance in restoring services following significant outages brought about by natural disasters and extreme weather conditions. Winners are selected through a rigorous nomination and judging process by a group of experts at EEI.

Drew Maloney, President and CEO of EEI, highlighted Duke Energy’s achievement, stating, "When severe weather strikes, our member companies mobilize around the clock to restore power safely and as quickly as possible for the customers they serve. EEI is proud to recognize Duke Energy with the Emergency Recovery Award for its outstanding response following Winter Storm Fern."

Commitment to Preparedness

Duke Energy executives, including Scott Batson, Executive Vice President and Chief Power Grid Officer, emphasized that the company's readiness begins long before any storm hits. Batson remarked, "Storm response starts long before the weather arrives, and this recognition speaks to the planning, teamwork, and operational discipline teams across Duke Energy bring to every event.” The company’s commitment to year-round preparation, combined with meticulous resource coordination and execution, enables them to restore power swiftly and efficiently, ensuring customers can quickly return to normal life.

A Commitment to Future Energy Challenges

As a leading energy provider in the U.S., Duke Energy plays a vital role in delivering safe and reliable electricity to approximately 8.6 million customers across several states. The company not only focuses on recovery operations but is also determined to advance its sustainable energy transition. This includes investing in enhanced electric grid technologies and cleaner energy sources such as renewable energies and energy storage solutions, all while maintaining customer reliability at the core of their operations.

With a firm footing in navigating current challenges and a robust vision for the future, Duke Energy is positioned to tackle upcoming weather events and energy demands with confidence. More information can be found at duke-energy.com and across their social media platforms.