Duke Energy responds to historic flooding in Ohio and Kentucky this weekend

• Ohio River expected to crest at 60 feet Monday morning
• Crews worked round the clock to restore power to over 70,000 customers since last Thursday

CINCINNATI, April 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy encourages customers to stay safe as the company continues to respond to historic storms and flooding in the Greater Cincinnati area. As of 9 a.m. Monday, Duke Energy has restored power for more than 70,000 customers affected by last week's severe weather. Crews continue with restoration efforts in the areas hardest hit by the severe weather that began Thursday evening and continued through the weekend.

Low-lying areas of both Kentucky and Ohio along the Ohio River continue to deal with significant flooding. In coordination with local authorities, the company has completed roughly 500 natural gas shutoffs in flooded areas. Natural gas service can be safely restored once flood waters recede.

The Ohio River crested at 60 feet Monday morning. In total, flood and storm-related power outages across the company's service territory have decreased from over 70,000 at one point to less than 100.

"Our crews have answered the call this past week and continue to work hard to restore natural gas and electric services to all of our communities," said Amy Spiller, president of Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky. "We urge our customers to remain safe, as we may see additional flash flooding today (Monday) as a result of the heavy rainfall."

Flooding tips for electric and gas customers

• If rising water threatens your home or business – or if you evacuate due to flooding – turn off your power at the circuit breaker panel or fuse box.
• Electric current passes easily through water, so stay away from downed electrical lines.
• Don't drive over – and don't stand near – downed electrical lines.
• Never replace a fuse or touch a circuit breaker with wet hands, or while standing on a wet or damp surface.
• If your home or business is flooded, Duke Energy cannot reconnect power until the electrical system has been inspected by a licensed electrician. If there is damage, an electrician will need to make necessary repairs and obtain verification from your local building inspection authority before power can be restored.
• Technicians will remove any natural gas meter believed to have been submerged and turn off natural gas service to the home or business. We have notified customers whose natural gas service was turned off.
• Natural gas appliances in a home or business where service has been turned off must be inspected for safe operation by a licensed contractor before service can be restored. Appliances may need to be replaced if an inspection finds they have been damaged by flood waters and cannot operate safely.
• Do not attempt to relight any of your natural gas appliances or to clear flood debris from your natural gas meter or from any other natural gas appliance, including your water heater. Call Duke Energy for an assessment.

Customers experiencing a natural gas outage should call 800.634.4300. If they suspect a natural gas leak or are experiencing a natural gas emergency, they should leave the area immediately and call 911 or Duke Energy from a safe location away from the smell of natural gas.

Additionally, customers are encouraged to download the enhanced American Red Cross Emergency app for weather safety. The latest version of the app, sponsored by the Duke Energy Foundation, is free, available in both English and Spanish and offers a variety of features including emergency checklists, interactive maps of open shelters and the ability to monitor multiple locations for weather alerts.

More tips on what to do before, during and after a storm can be found at duke-energy.com/safety-and-preparedness/storm-safety.

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.

Outage updates
The most up-to-date information about power outages, including the total number of outages systemwide and estimated times of restoration, can be accessed on Duke Energy's interactive outage map.

Customers can also report and check the status of their power outage 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 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).

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 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.

Contacts: John Juech / Matt Martin
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
Twitter: @DukeEnergyOH_KY

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SOURCE Duke Energy