Progress Energy Prepares for Ernesto

Progress Energy Carolinas is carefully monitoring Tropical Storm Ernesto and is prepared for any effects the storm may have on the company's service territory.

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"We are actively preparing for Ernesto," said Hershell McCarty, system storm coordinator for Progress Energy Carolinas. "In addition to tracking the storm, we are working through all of our pre-storm planning activities to ensure that we have the supplies and resources needed to respond to any power outages. Storms are unpredictable, but by exercising our comprehensive storm plan we will be prepared for whatever comes."

The quickest way to report an outage during a storm is to call Progress Energy's automated outage-reporting system at (800) 419-6356 in the Carolinas. After severe weather, Progress Energy takes specific steps to restore power. Progress Energy crews first assess damage and determine what crews, equipment and supplies will be needed to make repairs.

Progress Energy offers the following storm safety tips to prepare for a storm and deal safely with its effects:

- To prepare for outages, have plenty of fresh batteries for flashlights

and radios.

- If rising water threatens your home, turn off the power at the circuit

breaker panel or fuse box before water enters your home. Have an

electrician inspect your system before turning the power back on after

flooding.

- Never replace a fuse or touch a circuit breaker with wet hands, or

while standing on a wet or damp surface.

- When using a gasoline-powered electric generator, operate it in well

ventilated areas and only connect it to individual appliances.

Connecting a generator to a wall outlet in your home or building's

electrical system is dangerous for customers and line crews working to

restore power. Never operate a generator indoors as carbon monoxide

buildup can be fatal.

- Assume all downed power lines are live and stay away from them. If you

see a downed power line, call Progress Energy Carolinas at 800-419-6356

to report its location.

- Progress Energy Carolinas customers who lose power should call the 24-

hour automated outage line at 800-419-6356. It is the fastest way to

report a power outage, and even offers an option to call customers back

if updates are available on when power will be restored. By calling

this number, customers can obtain the same information available from

our customer service associates.

- For additional storm-safety tips, visit

http://www.progress-energy.com/storm.

Progress Energy, headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., is a Fortune 250 diversified energy company with more than 24,000 megawatts of generation capacity and $10 billion in annual revenues. The company's holdings include two electric utilities serving approximately 3 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. Progress Energy also includes nonregulated operations covering energy marketing and natural gas exploration. Progress Energy is the 2006 recipient of the Edison Electric Institute's Edison Award, the industry's highest honor, in recognition of its operational excellence. In 2005, the company also received the prestigious J.D. Power and Associates Founder's Award for dedication, commitment and sustained improvement in customer service. For more information about Progress Energy, visit the company's Web site at progress-energy.com.

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