Duke Energy has reported that more than 18,000 customers remain without power in North and South Carolina following the impact of Winter Storm Fern. The storm brought freezing rain and sleet to the region, resulting in downed trees, branches, and power lines.
The company stated that low temperatures continue to pose risks even after precipitation ends, as ice accumulation on branches and lines can lead to additional outages in the coming days. Duke Energy advised customers with electricity to take steps to conserve energy due to continued cold weather throughout the week.
By 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 25, Duke Energy had restored service to 24,864 customers across both states. Line workers are continuing damage assessments and restoration efforts where conditions permit. The company is also using self-healing technology to remotely reroute power around damaged equipment.
In areas where road conditions remain unsafe for travel, Duke Energy will deploy crews as soon as it is safe. As of Sunday afternoon, there were still 18,016 customers without power: 14,802 in North Carolina and 3,214 in South Carolina. Updated forecasts indicate outages could increase into Sunday night.
Rick Canavan, Duke Energy’s storm director said: “Winter Storm Fern continues to create dangerous conditions across the Carolinas, and we expect outage numbers to climb as ice continues bringing down trees and power lines.” He added: “Ice damage can continue long after a storm passes. Even when skies clear up, ice can make falling tree limbs up to 30 times heavier and much more likely to break power lines and poles.” He noted: “We have crews positioned throughout the region; some are already restoring service while others are standing by ready to respond as soon as it’s safe.” Canavan also stated: “Once it’s safe enough many of our workers will be assessing damages and restoring power simultaneously rather than sequentially so customers will see further progress as soon as teams can safely reach affected areas.”
Duke Energy serves about 4.7 million electric customers in North Carolina (3.8 million) and South Carolina (nearly 860,000).
The workforce mobilized for this event includes over 18,000 lineworkers, vegetation specialists, damage assessors, and storm support personnel. Restoration follows a staged approach that prioritizes safety for employees and communities while focusing first on major transmission lines before moving on to smaller neighborhood circuits.
The company emphasized safety around downed or sagging wires and reminded residents not to approach utility workers during restoration activities. Crews may be working upstream from neighborhoods at substations or mainlines even if no trucks are visible locally.
Duke Energy is prepared to use helicopters, drones, tracked vehicles or trucks with chained tires for assessments or repairs if necessary. Additional out-of-state crews are available starting Tuesday if extra support is needed.
Customers were encouraged by the company to follow local “move over” laws when passing utility vehicles with flashing lights on roadsides; they should avoid work zones while debris clearing or repairs are underway.
For those with electricity during the cold snap ahead—expected for at least seven days—the company recommended several energy-saving measures such as lowering thermostats where comfortable; ensuring clean air filters; using natural sunlight during daytime hours; closing blinds at night; running ceiling fans clockwise in winter months.
