CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- As temperatures plummet to historic lows, Duke Energy is prepared to meet its customers' energy needs across the six states it serves.

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System operators are closely monitoring the electric transmission system and the company has an adequate supply of electricity to meet demand.

The extremely low temperatures will put higher stress on the equipment used to generate and deliver electricity. Isolated equipment problems are possible, which could result in scattered outages.

To be prepared, customers should consider the following tips:


    --  Check your supply of flashlights, batteries, bottled water,
        non-perishable foods, medicines, etc.
    --  Ensure a portable, battery-operated radio, TV or NOAA weather radio is
        on hand.
    --  Do not attempt to heat your home with a gas grill or by bringing a
        generator inside. Only operate such equipment outdoors in
        well-ventilated areas. Follow manufacturer instructions.
    --  Check on family members, friends and neighbors who have special medical
        needs or who are elderly to ensure they have necessary emergency
        supplies. Encourage them to determine now what action they would take in
        the event of an extended power outage.

Customers who experience an outage should call Duke Energy's automated outage-reporting systems for their respective utility:


    --  Duke Energy Carolinas: 1-800-POWERON (1-800-769-3766)
    --  Duke Energy Progress: 1-800-419-6356
    --  Duke Energy Indiana: 1-800-343-3525
    --  Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky: 1-800-543-5599
    --  Duke Energy Florida: 1-800-228-8485

Customers may also report an outage or view current outages online at www.duke-energy.com/storms

If you lose power, please turn off as many appliances and electronics as possible. This will help with restoration efforts as it will reduce the immediate demand on the power lines when power is restored.

Once your power is restored, wait a few minutes before turning your equipment back on.

Winter Weather Energy Saving Tips
 During times of extreme temperatures, customers will use more power, which generally results in a higher bill the following month.

Electric heating and cooling can account for as much as half of your energy bills, so controlling your home's thermostat is one of the best ways to manage your energy usage and your cost.

You can save around 10 percent a year on your heating and cooling bills by simply turning your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours a day. As an alternative, you can install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats allow you to automatically set specific temperatures at different times of the day.

Find this and other tips at www.duke-energy.com. Just click on the "save energy and money" link.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 250 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at: www.duke-energy.com.

24-hour media line: 800.559.3853

SOURCE Duke Energy