Duke Energy preparing for peak energy use during consecutive days of extreme heat
As residents prepare for a day of extreme heat across the Triangle, Duke Energy anticipates seeing peak usage of electricity.
Jeff Brooks with Duke Energy said they're prepared for the spike in electricity.
The heat index is expected to reach triple digits for the next several days in a row. So people across North Carolina will be blasting their air conditioning to stay cool.
Brooks said Duke Energy keeps their reserves ready and adjusts their maintenance schedule to ensure their system can handle the demand.
He said if temperatures don't cool off overnight, electricity usage will peak even higher.
The power provider also ensured other resources like nuclear and gas are prepared for days like these -- and they have other options.
"In some instances we may need additional power beyond what we generate, and that's a common thing in our industry," Brooks said. "We buy and sell power back and forth between other utilities, and we import that power as needed to be able to assist the available generation we have in the state."
If you're planning to be outside, remember to hydrate.
It's important to watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you start to feel dizzy or nauseated, try to get to a cool or shaded place as quickly as you can.
Take the kids to an indoor playground or 6 spraygrounds, local pools now open for the seasonsprayground to stay cool.
