Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky restore power to more than 31,000 customers impacted by high winds, severe storms

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) has successfully restored power to over 31,000 customers in southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky following severe overnight storms with winds reaching 80-100 mph. As of 11:45 a.m., approximately 30,000 customers remain without power due to damaged infrastructure and downed power lines east of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

The company is bringing in additional line crews from sister utilities and other states to assist with repairs. Amy Spiller, president of Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky, emphasized their focus on quick and safe service restoration. The company serves 910,000 electric customers across a 3,000-square-mile service area and 560,000 natural gas customers in a 2,650-square-mile area in Ohio and Kentucky.

Positive

• Quick restoration of power to 31,000 customers demonstrates effective emergency response
• Additional line crews mobilized from sister utilities to expedite repairs
• Large service coverage with 910,000 electric and 560,000 natural gas customers

Negative

• 30,000 customers still without power affecting service delivery
• Significant infrastructure damage requiring extensive repairs
• Wide-scale service disruption across multiple regions

• Customers can stay informed by texting REG to 57801

CINCINNATI, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy has restored power to more than 31,000 customers in southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky who were affected by the high winds and severe storms that impacted the region overnight. Around 30,000 customers are without power as of 11:45 a.m.

The storm's heavy rain and high winds of 80 to 100 mph brought down power lines and damaged infrastructure east of Greater Cincinnati and in Northern Kentucky.

Crews are repairing damage while assessments of the extent of the damage are ongoing. Duke Energy will provide estimated times of restoration once damage assessments are complete.

"Our teams made significant progress overnight, repairing broken poles and downed power lines, and we're bringing in line crews from sister utilities and other states in the Duke Energy service territory to assist," said Amy Spiller, president of Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky. "We're focused on restoring service quickly and safely, and we appreciate our customers' patience as we respond."

Power restoration process
During power restoration, the company's top 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. Crews then can work on repairs affecting individual neighborhoods and homes. Click here for information on how Duke Energy restores power.

How to report power outages
Customers who experience a power outage can report using any of the following methods:

• Visit duke-energy.com on a desktop computer or mobile device.
• Use the Duke Energy mobile app (download the Duke Energy App on your smartphone via Apple Store or Google Play).
• Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply).
• Call Duke Energy's automated outage reporting system at 1.800.343.3525.

Customers can receive text, phone or email alerts with power outage updates. Learn how to sign up at outage alerts. Customers can stay informed by texting REG to 57801.

Important safety tips
Duke Energy urges customers to avoid all downed power lines and assume they are energized. Downed lines should be reported to 1.800.343.3525.

If a power line falls across a vehicle that you're in, stay in the vehicle. If you MUST get out of the vehicle due to an immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the vehicle and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the vehicle when your feet touch the ground. More tips on what to do before, during and after a storm can be found at duke-energy.com/safety-and-preparedness/storm-safety.

Scam alert
Customers should stay alert and protect their personal information, as scams are more common after storms. Duke Energy will never threaten disconnection, ask for payment details over the phone or request a prepaid credit card. For more tips, visit duke-energy.com/scam.

Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky
Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides electric service to 910,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in a 3,000-square-mile service area, and natural gas service to 560,000 customers in a 2,650-square-mile service area, in Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. 

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage. 

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition. 

Contact: Matt Martin

24-Hour: 800.559.3853

Twitter: @DukeEnergyOH_KY

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SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

How many customers were affected by the April 2025 storm in Duke Energy's Ohio/Kentucky service area?

Over 61,000 customers were affected, with 31,000 restored and 30,000 still without power as of 11:45 a.m.

What wind speeds caused the power outages in Duke Energy's (DUK) Ohio/Kentucky region?

The severe storms brought winds of 80 to 100 mph, causing downed power lines and infrastructure damage.

How can Duke Energy (DUK) customers report power outages in Ohio and Kentucky?

Customers can report outages via duke-energy.com, mobile app, texting OUT to 57801, or calling 1.800.343.3525.

What is Duke Energy's (DUK) power restoration strategy for the Ohio/Kentucky storm damage?

They prioritize repairing large power lines and infrastructure that restore power to the most customers, followed by individual neighborhoods.