Thousands of our friends and neighbors are suffering in storm-ravaged Eastern North Carolina. While some can only wait and ponder the wreckage of their submerged homes and communities, others have started the massive clean-up effort resulting from Hurricane Matthew. Duke Energy has been humbled to work alongside the first-responders, fire and rescue personnel, medic, law enforcement, the national guard and many others.

Our work would be impossible without the assistance of law enforcement and emergency service personnel who continue to help us troubleshoot flooded roads, re-route traffic around our work zones and provide a consistent source of steady resolve in a turbulent time. I’m also thankful for the civic leaders who have rallied around our teammates in the field, despite the extensive damage in their local communities.

While our state navigates this terrible situation, I’ve been encouraged by the spirit, selflessness and support of all North Carolinians, from those working the front lines of this disaster to others who’ve opened their homes, wallets and arms to help those who need it most.

Duke Energy stands with our communities with over 10,000 workers who have safely restored power to more than1.1 million customers in North Carolina. And we won’t stand down until the job is completed.

We appreciate our customers’ patience as Duke Energy has worked around-the-clock to restore their electricity in very difficult conditions. Our employees are part of these hard hit towns – your friends and neighbors. And we know you have lost so much more than electricity in this storm. However, your resolve has been inspiring, and it is a privilege to work beside you as we rebuild.

Our state has united and is coming through in a time of need — in ways that make me proud to call North Carolina home. The character, grit and resilience of our communities are among the many strengths of our state. There are still many long days and weeks ahead for Eastern North Carolina, and Duke Energy will be here, working beside you, through the very last power restoration and on to the rebuilding efforts ahead.

David Fountain

North Carolina president

Duke Energy