Waterpower Intelligence Theater – Hurricane Helene: Part 1 of 2: Forecasts, Preparation, and Managing the Event; Public Interactions, Social Media, and False Information

This session, Part 1 of 2, focuses on the following:

Forecasts, Preparation, and Managing the Event, presented by Aaron Dale, Duke Energy
Public Interactions, Social Media, and False Information, presented by Preston Pierce, Duke Energy

Details of each presentation are described below.
Forecasts, Preparation, and Managing the Event, presented by Aaron Dale, Duke Energy Duke Energy tracked Hurricane Helene closely the week prior to its arrival and adjusted hydro operations accordingly to best account for storm impacts.

During that period, it was clear that high flows were likely, and the typical bottlenecks might be at risk for moderate flooding. Given the lack of certainty with long-range forecasting, it was not until the day prior to the hurricane's arrival, when the storm track shifted, where models began indicating the magnitude of impacts that would be seen.

Throughout the event, hydrological modeling was critical in development of operational plans that would ensure the safety of the Duke Energy dams while managing the flooding impacts to the extent possible.

Public Interactions, Social Media, and False Information, presented by Preston Pierce, Duke Energy
One of the challenges with hydro operations is managing the interdependencies with the public. This includes sharing of relevant operational information and how it affects public resources, private property, and the communities. It is critical that we put into place good communications processes that inform the public of preparatory actions and provide updates on expected outcomes throughout a high-flow event.

Despite these communications during Hurricane Helene, false information was disseminated by prominent news outlets and social media, which diverted Duke enterprise resources’ attention from managing the event itself.

Presenters

Eddie Duncan

Chair

General Manager, Regional Services at Duke Energy Corporation

Aaron Dale

Speaker

Director, Regulated Renewables Operations at Duke Energy Corporation

Preston Pierce

Speaker

General Manager, Hydro, Bad Creek Pumped Storage Project at Duke Energy Corporation