ANALYSIS: What's the scoop on the Greenville power grid?
- Charles Reams
- Jul 17
- 4 min read
ANALYSIS: In recent months, Duke Energy, the primary electric utility in Greenville, SC, has experienced increased power outages, both in number and duration, due to a combination of factors, including extreme weather events, an aging infrastructure, and increased demand. Specifically, Tropical Storm Helene in September 2024 caused significant damage to the power grid, leading to widespread and prolonged outages for many.
How is Duke Energy preparing to deal with future grid challenges?
For a more detailed upgrade on grid improvements, click on Duke’s link:
Duke Energy is proactively addressing future grid challenges through a comprehensive modernization strategy focused on reliability, resilience, and the integration of cleaner energy resources.
Here's a closer look at the key initiatives:
Grid Strengthening and Hardening: Duke Energy is making substantial investments to fortify its infrastructure against severe weather, cybersecurity threats, and physical attacks. This includes:
Replacing and upgrading overhead power lines and poles to withstand extreme weather events.
Implementing targeted undergrounding of outage-prone lines.
Investing in flood mitigation measures, like reinforced flood barriers and elevating substations in vulnerable areas.
Using innovative tactics and strategies to inspect and repair utility poles before problems occur.
Deployment of Smart Grid Technologies: Duke Energy is implementing advanced technologies to enhance grid efficiency, reliability, and responsiveness. These include:
Self-healing technology: Automatically detects outages and reroutes power to minimize disruptions and shorten restoration times, potentially reducing customer outages by up to 75% and isolating problem areas for quicker response.
Smart meters: Provide real-time data on energy usage, enable remote monitoring, and help identify power outages, empowering customers to make informed energy decisions and save money.
Communication networks and data management systems: Facilitate the collection and analysis of energy consumption data to optimize and plan energy distribution based on demand.
Integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs): Duke Energy is embracing a cleaner energy future by facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources and distributed technologies. This involves:
Investing in solar power plants and battery storage technology: These additions improve reliability by supporting grid operations and providing carbon-free power during peak usage times.
Exploring advanced transmission technologies: To expand the capacity of the aging grid and efficiently integrate new energy sources like offshore wind.
Implementing programs like net metering: Encouraging small-scale renewable energy systems and ensuring reliable power access for customers using their own generators.
Partnerships and Collaborations: Duke Energy is working with industry partners, researchers, and government agencies to develop and implement innovative grid solutions.
Collaborating with AWS to develop smart grid software and services, expanding its Intelligent Grid Services to anticipate future energy demand and guide grid updates.
Engaging with stakeholders to develop its Integrated System and Operations Planning (ISOP) framework for optimizing resource investments across generation, transmission, distribution, and customer solutions.
In essence, Duke Energy's strategy involves a multi-pronged approach that blends infrastructure upgrades, technological advancements, cleaner energy integration, and collaborative partnerships to build a more resilient, reliable, and sustainable grid for the future.
What can you do to avoid losing your electric power?
If you're looking to minimize the impact of potential power outages in Greenville, SC, you have several options:
1. Backup power solutions
Whole-Home Generators: These automatically kick in when the power goes out, powering your entire home or selected essential circuits. Several companies in the Greenville area specialize in generator sales, installation, and service, including B & K Heating and Air, Generator Supercenter of Greenville, ABC Heating & Air, and Waldrop Plumbing – Heating – Air.
Portable Generators: A more affordable option for powering essential appliances, these require manual setup and operation and must be used outdoors at a safe distance from your home to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS): Ideal for sensitive electronics like computers, a UPS provides battery backup for a short duration, allowing you to save work and safely shut down devices during brief outages or until a generator starts up.
Solar Power with Battery Backup: This offers energy independence and can store excess solar energy in batteries for use during outages, potentially providing backup for longer durations depending on system size and battery capacity.
2. Infrastructure improvements
Underground Power Lines: Burying power lines helps protect them from damage caused by weather events like strong winds and storms, which are a common cause of outages in the area. The City of Greenville offers a "POWER ON" service line conversion program to assist homeowners with this process.
Trimming Trees Near Power Lines: Overhanging branches are a major cause of downed power lines during storms. Regularly trimming trees around your property can significantly reduce this risk.
3. General precautions and planning
Prepare an Emergency Kit: Gather essential items like flashlights, batteries, a manual can opener, non-perishable food, water, a first-aid kit, and any necessary medications to be ready for potential outages.
Charge Electronic Devices: Keep cell phones, portable chargers, and other essential devices fully charged, especially during severe weather alerts.
Sign Up for Outage Alerts: Stay informed about potential and current power outages in your area through the utility provider's website, mobile app, or text alerts. In Greenville, the primary electricity provider is Duke Energy.
Protect Sensitive Electronics: Use surge protectors to safeguard appliances like TVs and computers from damage caused by power surges when electricity is restored.
Plan for Medical Needs: If someone in your household relies on electrically powered medical equipment, register for programs like the White Cross Program offered by Dominion Energy, which provides notification before planned outages or major storms.
By combining these strategies, you can significantly reduce the inconvenience and potential hazards associated with power outages in Greenville, SC.
Kindly tell me how you are planning for the future grid challenges.
