MONROE CO. – Duke Energy has restored power to more than 43,000 customers affected by the supercell storm that ripped through Indiana yesterday, causing over 95,000 power outages. Approximately 52,000 remain out of service as of 11 a.m. today.
The storm initially caused outages from Wabash in the north to Clarksville in the south. Bloomington and Terre Haute are ground zero in terms of damage, with about 85% of the outages in those areas due to the high winds ranging between 55 and 70 miles per hour.
Crews have been making repairs while an assessment remains underway to determine the full scope of damage. Duke Energy will provide power restoration time estimates as more information about the damage assessment becomes available. Extended outages are possible, however, in the hardest-hit areas. Rough terrain, particularly in Monroe County, is making assessment and power restoration challenging.
“We have brought in more than 730 additional resources – linemen, damage assessors, and tree clearing workers – to supplement our statewide workforce and speed power restoration,” said Duke Energy Indiana President Stan Pinegar. “We’re also moving crews from areas less affected to those hardest hit. Our priority is always to restore service as quickly and safely as possible, and we appreciate our customers’ patience while we respond.”
The company is responding to broken poles, trees in power lines, and spans of wire down.
“We also had damage on our electric transmission system, which includes power lines and structures that are our major carriers of power, but have made good progress on restoring those major ‘power highways,’” Pinegar said.
Power restoration process
During power restoration, the company’s priority is to repair large power lines and other infrastructure that will return power to the most significant number of customers as safely, quickly, and efficiently as possible. Crews also prioritize essential services such as hospitals, water pumping, and treatment facilities. Crews can then 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 (you can download it 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 for 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.
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 touches 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.
