PLAINFIELD, Ind. – As of noon on Thursday, Duke Energy had restored power to more than 74,000 customers affected by high winds and significant rainfall that ripped through Indiana on Wednesday, causing over 85,000 power outages. Crews are working to restore the remaining customers without power.
Assessment remains underway to determine the full scope of damage. The company will provide power restoration time estimates as more information about damage assessment becomes available. Extended outages are possible, however, in the hardest-hit areas in southern Indiana.
Wind gusts of 65-80 miles per hour caused broken poles, downed trees and power lines, and damage to electric infrastructure. In addition, flooding is also impacting the ability to restore power in some areas.
“We are bringing in additional crews to supplement our statewide workforce and speed power restoration,” said Clint Carnahan, general manager of emergency preparedness at Duke Energy. “Our priority is always to restore service as quickly and safely as possible, and we appreciate our customers’ patience while we respond.”
During power restoration, the company’s priority is to repair large power lines and other infrastructure that will return power to the greatest number of customers as safely, quickly, and efficiently as possible. Essential services such as hospitals and water pumping/treatment facilities are prioritized. Crews then work on repairs affecting individual neighborhoods and homes. Click here for information on how Duke Energy restores power.
Duke Energy customers who experience an outage during a storm can report it in the following ways:
- Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply)
- Use the Duke Energy mobile app. Download the Duke Energy App from a smartphone via the Apple Store or Google Play
- Visit duke-energy.com/outages on a desktop computer or mobile device
- Call the automated outage-reporting system at 800.POWERON (800.343.3525)
- Receive the most up-to-date information about restoration efforts by enrolling in Outage Alerts
- Visit Duke Energy’s interactive outage map on its website to find up-to-date information on power outages and estimated restoration times
