(Plainfield, IN) – Duke Energy has restored power to more than 62,000 Indiana customers who were affected by the high winds that tore through the state Friday.
The storm’s sustained high winds and heavy rain brought down power lines and damaged infrastructure in multiple regions of the company’s Indiana service area, stretching from north central to the southeast part of the state. More than 25 of the company’s Indiana operation centers were affected.
Crews have been making repairs while assessment is still underway to determine the full scope of damage. Duke Energy will provide power restoration time estimates once there is more information from damage assessment.
“We made strong progress last (Friday) evening and overnight, repairing broken poles and down power lines,” said Duke Energy Indiana President Stan Pinegar. “Our priority is always to restore service as quickly and safely as possible, and we appreciate our customers’ patience while we complete restoration.”
The company has moved some of its crews from its Northern Indiana counties to areas in the state more heavily affected to speed power restoration.
Power restoration process
This has been a particularly challenging storm for national and global forecasts to predict. During power restoration, the company’s priority is to repair large power lines and other infrastructure that will return power to the greatest number of customers as safely, quickly and efficiently as possible. Crews then can work on repairs affecting individual neighborhoods and homes. Click here for information on how Duke Energy restores power.
How to report power outages
Customers who experience a power outage can report using any of the following methods:
· Visit duke-energy.com on a desktop computer or mobile device.
· Use the Duke Energy mobile app (download the Duke Energy App on your smartphone via Apple Store or Google Play).
· Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply).
· Call Duke Energy’s automated outage reporting system at (800) 343-3525.
Customers can receive text, phone or email alerts with power outage updates. Learn how to sign up at outage alerts. Customers can stay informed by texting REG to 57801.
Important safety tips
Duke Energy urges customers to avoid all downed power lines and assume they are energized. Downed lines should be reported to (800) 343-3525.
If a power line falls across a vehicle that you’re in, stay in the vehicle. If you MUST get out of the vehicle due to an immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the vehicle and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the vehicle when your feet touch the ground.
More tips on what to do before, during and after a storm can be found at duke-energy.com/safety-and-preparedness/storm-safety.
(Information provided by Duke Energy Indiana)
