Duke Energy Unveils High-Tech Power Control Center Ahead of Hurricane Season
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As the 2025 hurricane season kicks off, Duke Energy is showcasing its cutting-edge Power Distribution Control Center in Charlotte, designed to enhance power restoration efforts across the Carolinas during severe weather events.
The center operates as a command hub for managing line crews, utilizing advanced workstations that enable efficient coordination and deployment of automated systems, significantly reducing the need for human intervention in power restoration. Duke Energy spokesperson Jeff Brooks emphasized the facility’s role in expediting recovery during outages.
One of the standout features of the facility is its "self-healing technology," which can automatically detect outages and reroute electricity to restore service more swiftly. Brooks noted that this advancement has expanded coverage from 1.2 million to 2.4 million customers. Laura Weigel, a control center operator, highlighted its effectiveness during Hurricane Helene, stating the technology significantly improved response times by identifying issues directly affecting power loss.
In 2024 alone, Duke Energy’s self-healing systems helped prevent over one million potential outages in North Carolina, showcasing its impact on service reliability. Additionally, the company has implemented hundreds of grid improvements, such as burying power lines in at-risk areas and updating aging infrastructure.
Officials assert these strategic advancements will lead to fewer outages and quicker restoration during storms, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction. Weigel reflected on the importance of her work, stating, “Knowing that I’m able to help get that back on helps people’s day go on a little better.”
For the latest updates on Duke Energy and emergency alerts, residents can download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app.
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