Duke Energy is installing static lines across its service territory as part of efforts to reduce power outages caused by severe weather.

Static lines, also called overhead shield wires or sky wires, are non-energized cables strung above traditional power lines. They act as lightning rods, intercepting lightning strikes before they can hit the energized conductors below. When lightning strikes a static line, the electrical charge is safely channeled to the ground through grounded poles or towers.

The technology has been standard on high-voltage transmission lines for decades but is now being added to lower-voltage distribution lines that serve neighborhoods and businesses. These distribution lines are more vulnerable to lightning damage and are responsible for the majority of customer outages during thunderstorms.

Duke Energy says the static lines will significantly reduce storm-related outages by protecting equipment like transformers and preventing flashovers that occur when lightning surges through power lines. The utility expects the installations to improve grid reliability, particularly during summer thunderstorm season when lightning strikes are most frequent.

The company has not disclosed the full scope or cost of the installation program, but the upgrades are part of broader grid hardening initiatives aimed at reducing outage frequency and duration for customers.

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