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Energy Emergency Alerts

When the demand for energy is very close to the maximum amount of energy that can be generated, there is a risk of damaging the electric grid. At a minimum, that could mean damage to equipment. In a worst-case scenario, it would mean extensive damage and widespread blackouts that could take a long time to repair.
These events are rare and usually only occur during extended periods of extremely cold or hot weather. Some recent examples would be February 2021 in Texas, Christmas Eve 2022 in North Carolina, and the occasional blackouts in California. In all of these cases, there were large-scale blackouts.
The Federal government requires all power generating agencies (like Duke Energy) to warn customers and utility providers (like GUC) when such a situation is likely and/or is happening. Providers would then be forced to take steps to reduce the demand and strain on the system and to notify customers of the need to reduce their energy use.
At GUC, we have several programs to lower our system’s demand, but we will also need help from customers to cut back on how much energy is being used. If the demand is not lowered enough and the situation continues to get worse, Duke will be forced to reduce how much energy is available to their own customers, GUC, and other utility providers across the state.
GUC will notify customers via phone, text, email, our website, and social media in the event customers need to make adjustments such as:
  • Turn their thermostats down in the winter or up in the summer
  • Delay using high-energy consuming appliances such as electric stoves, dryers, and dishwaters
  • Delay charging electric vehicles 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

  • Duke – for the purposes of this information, we’ll use Duke for Duke Energy Progress and/or Duke Energy Carolinas
  • GUC – Greenville Utilities Commission
  • EEA – Energy Emergency Alert (there can be alert levels 1, 2, and 3) 

An Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) is a system of warnings and calls to action required by the Federal government. The alerts let all entities involved in supplying power to customers, and customers as well, know about potential supply threats to the electric grid, the need for energy conservation, and the possibility of controlled outages.

When electricity use (demand) gets too close to the amount of power available from Duke’s generation, it can strain and potentially damage the grid. In such times, GUC and all other utilities that get their energy from Duke are required by Federal regulations to work to reduce their energy demand. Failure to reduce demand enough could result in the need for controlled outages. This is a situation most of North Carolina would be in at the same time, not just the GUC service area. 

There are three emergency alert levels to address severe grid conditions and keep power flowing.  
  1. The first level of Duke’s energy emergency alerts means reserves are getting low and allows Duke to call on all available power supplies. That means GUC and others who have the capability to generate electricity have to use their generators to supplement what Duke provides.
  2. The second-level alert occurs when demand continues, and reserves are even lower. Duke, GUC, and all other power providers are obligated to interrupt power to large industrial customers who have agreed to have their electricity turned off in an emergency.
  3. The third-level alert is a last resort to help protect the reliability of the grid serving much of North Carolina. GUC’s wholesale power provider will reduce the voltage that GUC receives. This can mean controlled power outages for our community and all communities that receive power generated by Duke. The timing of these outages depends on grid conditions and Duke’s direction. GUC’s controlled outages can typically last up to 30 minutes before rotating to another location. 

GUC has developed a plan that prioritizes public safety. Areas of our system with multiple traffic lights will remain in service to ensure safe travel, while areas with fewer to no traffic signals are more likely to experience controlled outages.  

GUC's Priority Customer Program identifies customers who use life support equipment at their residences. 
This is not a guarantee that Priority Customers will never lose power, as these customers are simply provided special consideration in the event of power outages such as during routine maintenance of electric service lines. 
Priority Customers are encouraged to develop contingency plans for dealing with such an outage.  These plans should include such considerations as the purchase and/or use of emergency generators, battery backup systems, portable oxygen tanks, etc.  Plans should also include evacuation or relocation to other facilities in which, personal and medical needs can be met should conditions warrant.
Those with special needs may register for shelters and other resources through Pitt County Emergency Management at 252-902-3950.  

No, all of Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress customers are in the same situation. That includes Duke customers as well as utilities and municipalities that get their wholesale power from Duke. In eastern North Carolina, that also includes other cities like Washington, Rocky Mount, Wilson, and Tarboro. 

Since 1978, GUC has run a load management program to reduce the amount of energy it needs to purchase from Duke during periods of high demand. For residential customers, GUC runs a program called “Beat the Peak.” GUC uses remote controls to cycle off the HVAC or water heaters for short periods of time for customers who choose to participate in the program. For large, industrial customers, GUC runs GUC-owned and customer-owned generators during these times of high demand to reduce load on the electrical grid. Additionally, GUC has recently purchased and installed generators which can handle some of the extra demand during periods of high energy use and will be adding more in the coming year. 

A home’s heating and air conditioning unit almost always consumes more energy than any other appliance our customers have. Setting the thermostat a few degrees higher in the summer, or lower in the winter, during these times of high demand can help reduce the energy used.
Delay charging your electric vehicle during these times. 
Also, delaying using high-energy appliances such as electric water heaters, clothes dryers, ovens, and stoves until times of lower demand can help reduce the energy demand and reduce the chance of rolling blackouts. 
GUC customers have several resources to help them find the best ways to reduce energy consumption. These resources can be found through GUC’s Energy Services Office as well as our website guc.com. 

Anytime is a good time to reduce the amount of electricity you use. It reduces our energy load and saves you money on your bill.
The times GUC will need customers to reduce energy consumption are on the hottest days or coldest nights and mornings of the year. In the summer, it’s likely between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on days that are 95 degrees or hotter. In the winter, it’s likely between the hours of 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. on days with morning lows of 20 degrees or colder.