Overhead Power Lines

It’s crucial to use extreme caution around overhead power lines. Remember, electricity is always seeking a path, and it travels easily through materials like metal, water, trees, the ground and anything containing water – including animals and PEOPLE.

If you spot a downed power line, call us immediately. Never touch a power line with any part of your body, or with any object – and steer clear of substation fences. If you need to cut trees or vegetation near overhead power lines, it's important to consult with one of our company representatives first. They can guide you on how to do it safely without risking contact with the power lines.

In case of emergencies or if you notice anything unusual, don't hesitate to call us or your local emergency services. Your safety is our priority.

Duke Energy Carolinas	800.769.3766 or 800.POWERON
Duke Energy Progress	800.419.6356
Indiana	800.343.3525
Ohio and Kentucky	800.543.5599
Florida	800.228.8485

Here are some helpful tips to keep you safe:

• Look up! Always examine your surroundings for power line locations before doing any outside work. Knowing where power lines are can prevent accidents.
• Electricity and water don't mix. Keep electrical appliances and toys away from water, including rain, wet ground, swimming pools, sprinklers and hoses. Water is a good conductor of electricity, and mixing the two can lead to dangerous situations.
• Be aware of meters and other electrical equipment. Electrical meters and equipment may be located on the exterior of buildings. These devices measure electricity usage. Never tamper with them, as it’s illegal and dangerous.
• Be cautious on the roof. Working on a roof puts you closer to overhead power lines. Avoid standing up and accidentally touching a line with your head or shoulder. Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Use care when painting. When house painting, make sure that nothing, including yourself, your ladder, your paintbrush or roller, comes in contact with the power line supplying electricity to your home.
• Be careful with ladders and other metal objects. When using an aluminum ladder, always check above for power lines. Aluminum is an exceptional conductor of electricity. Touching a power line with a metal object can result in serious injury or death. The same precaution applies to antennas, metal gutters and other long metal objects.
• Call before working or lifting. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that anyone working or lifting within 10 feet of overhead power lines or poles must contact the appropriate utility. This distance may increase with higher voltages. (When using a crane, minimum approach distances are different.) In North Carolina, the Overhead High-Voltage Line Safety Act requires you to call Duke Energy at 800.POWERON before working within 10 feet of power lines.
• Don’t prune near power lines. Pruning trees or vegetation around power lines should only be done by trained professionals. Attempting to do this work without proper training can lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Always call for an evaluation of the trees and vegetation around power lines before any removals.
• Call before cutting. Never cut trees near overhead power lines until you’ve met with a company representative.
• Avoid planting near utility poles. Do not plant trees or vegetation that may grow up or near utility poles or guy wires to prevent disruptions and hazards.
• Be aware when moving farm equipment. Stay clear of overhead power lines when moving or storing irrigation pipes and grain augers. Metals and wet objects conduct electricity.
• Do not throw objects up into power lines. Throwing objects into power lines can cause short circuits and injuries. This includes items you might not consider conductive, like ropes and strings.
• Stay clear of tangled objects. If you see something tangled in a power line, stay away and contact Duke Energy. Never attempt to move the object yourself.
• Live wires are dangerous. Distribution wires are live and can cause harm. Never shoot or throw anything at wires, insulators or pole transformers.
• Fly kites, model planes and balloons safely. Fly kites, model planes and balloons in wide-open spaces like fields or beaches. Avoid flying them near power lines, and never use metal, foil or wire in your kite or kite string.
• Respect guy wires. Guy wires help keep poles standing. Do not climb or hang anything on them.
• Never climb utility poles, towers or substation fences.
• Obey warning signs. Pay attention to warning signs such as "DANGER: HIGH VOLTAGE" posted in some locations. But remember, all electrical equipment can be dangerous.
• Substations are not playgrounds. At neighborhood substations, high-voltage electricity is reduced to be sent to homes. Do not climb over or crawl under substation fences, walls or gates. If a ball or toy goes over a fence into a substation, call Duke Energy to retrieve it.
• Stay inside during storms. When there is lightning, get inside a building or car if possible. Keep away from windows and open doors.