Duke Energy asks customers to conserve as high demand stresses system

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — OUTAGES: As of 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, 87 customers were without power.

Earlier Tuesday, thousands were without power due to increased demand in north Charlotte, according to Duke Energy.

On the day of record-breaking cold temperatures, thousands of families have gone without heat for some part of the day.

Duke Energy officials said the cold weather and high demand for heat is putting a lot of stress on the system.

Linda West said she had to come to work before she could start her morning routine.

"I'm blessed I can have my coffee. I can have something to eat and I can be warm," West said.

When she woke up Tuesday morning, the power in her house was out.

"I was like, 'Oh my God, what's going on?'" she said.

Duke Energy said the frigid temperature is putting stress on its system like never before, resulting in power outages for more than 50,000 customers.

Duke sent out a flood of Twitter messages asking people to take stress off the power grid. One message said, "Help us restore ASAP by conserving as much energy as possible."

Cutting back on energy when it's cold outside is a tough request for some.

"If I can keep the bills down yes, but if they're tell me to freeze, no," said Beverly Wacker.

Duke Energy said you can also cut back on energy by not using things like your dryer or washing machine.

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WSOC