Progress Energy Readies for Ernesto

Progress Energy Carolinas continues to track the progress of Tropical Storm Ernesto and is making preparations for any effects the storm may have on the company's service territory.

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"Our biggest concern is the amount of rain forecast for Ernesto," said Hershell McCarty, system storm coordinator for Progress Energy Carolinas. "After the dry weather we've had over the past few weeks, this much rain could result in flooding in parts of our service area. The ground saturation could also cause problems with uprooted trees falling on power lines. We are continuing to work through all of our pre-storm planning activities to ensure that we have the supplies and resources needed to respond to any power outages."

The forecast and intensity of the storm could change before it makes landfall in the Carolinas, and Progress Energy crews are prepared to respond to any problems caused by Ernesto.

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. The company makes repairs to the largest facilities first -- starting with transmission lines and substations and moving on to distribution lines and, ultimately, to individual service lines. This process helps to restore the most customers the quickest.

If a home or business floods, Progress Energy cannot reconnect power until the electrical system is inspected -- customers will need to contact their local electrical inspector to schedule an inspection. Progress Energy can refer reputable electricians; customers interested in this service may call toll free 1-888-999-8856 for assistance.

Safety is our first concern after every storm. According to the American Red Cross, electrocutions are the second-leading cause of death during and after floods. Progress Energy offers the following electrical safety guidelines when coping with flooding:

* 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.

* Electric current passes easily through water, so stay away from downed

power lines and electrical wires. Don't drive over -- and don't stand

near -- downed power lines.

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

while standing on a wet or damp surface.

* Gather emergency supplies stocked in your home and stay tuned to local

radio or television station for updates.

* Have immunization records handy or know when you last received a

tetanus shot in case you are wounded during or after a flood.

* Sanitize bathtubs and sinks using bleach and rinse them thoroughly;

fill them and plastic bottles with clean water.

* Secure outdoor possessions, such as lawn furniture, grills and trash

cans.

* Fill your vehicle's gas tank.

* Board family pets somewhere safe. Emergency shelters cannot accept

animals.

* Turn the thermostats on refrigerators and freezers to the coolest

possible temperature.

For additional storm-safety tips, visit http://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 http://www.progress-energy.com.

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