South Carolina Faces Hurricane Preparedness Challenges

News Summary

Duke Energy is enhancing hurricane preparedness in South Carolina after past hurricanes caused significant disruptions. The company is implementing new technologies and investing in community support to ensure energy reliability. Duke Energy’s efforts include improving infrastructure and advocating for comprehensive energy policies to safeguard against future severe weather events, highlighting its commitment to community resilience and economic vitality.

South Carolina Faces Hurricane Preparedness Challenges

In South Carolina, Duke Energy is actively enhancing its hurricane preparedness strategies to support its communities, particularly in light of past weather events like Hurricane Helene, which resulted in widespread power outages affecting up to 1.34 million customers across the Carolinas. Tim Pearson, who became the president of Duke Energy’s utility operations in South Carolina in November 2024, oversees a significant customer base of approximately 835,500 electric retail customers and 164,000 natural gas customers.

Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage, leading to over 99% of customers in the Upstate experiencing power loss. Since then, Duke Energy has taken proactive measures to evaluate and strengthen its energy grid against severe weather, implementing self-healing technology that has prevented around 130,000 customer outages in South Carolina during 2024. These efforts are complemented by ongoing infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing resilience during severe weather events and ultimately reducing overall outage times.

Duke Energy’s Commitment to Community Support

In addition to improving energy delivery systems, Duke Energy has placed a strong emphasis on community support and economic development. The company has committed over $2 million since 2021 to combat hunger in South Carolina, demonstrating its dedication to the local communities it serves. This commitment extends to crisis response, where Duke Energy has provided support to organizations such as the Red Cross during the pandemic and other natural disasters.

The company is also poised to influence future energy policies, as the South Carolina legislature considers House Bill 3309, aimed at ensuring energy reliability and diversity in energy sources to bolster economic growth. Duke Energy is advocating for a comprehensive energy policy that includes the integration of hydrogen-capable natural gas, renewable sources, and advanced nuclear options.

Promoting Economic Vitality and Safety Initiatives

As president, Pearson is responsible for the financial performance of Duke Energy’s regulated utilities in South Carolina, alongside leading state and local regulatory relations and community affairs. His previous experience includes over a decade focusing on government and policy within the state, having served as an adviser to multiple governors and holding roles such as the general consultant for successful gubernatorial campaigns and chief of staff for a former governor.

The role also involves managing energy prices and ensuring reliable energy delivery around the clock to promote economic vitality in local communities. Through its efforts, Duke Energy aims to support legislative and regulatory initiatives that further enhance South Carolina’s economic success and community development efforts.

Duke Energy Foundation’s Role in Emergency Preparedness

Further strengthening its community commitment, the Duke Energy Foundation will provide $500,000 through the 2025 Helping Emergency Response Organizations (HERO) Grant Program. This initiative aims to enhance disaster planning and recovery efforts across South Carolina, assisting government agencies and non-profit organizations in acquiring essential training, equipment, and technology aimed at improving preparedness for severe weather events.

In summary, as South Carolina braces for potential hurricanes and severe weather, Duke Energy remains focused on improving infrastructure, enhancing community support, and advocating for strong energy policies to ensure the safety and well-being of its customers while fostering economic growth during challenging times.

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Author: HERE Greenwood