Gov. Cooper Takes Action to Keep Home Heating Fuels Available Amid Freezing Temperatures | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Press Release:

Gov. Cooper signs Executive Order to keep fuel flowing to NC, protect consumers from price gouging

    RALEIGH: In anticipation of a forecast of cold weather, Gov. Roy Cooper signed an executive order today to help maintain supply of home heating fuels like propane across North Carolina.

    "Freezing temperatures could cause rising prices and transportation challenges for propane and other fuels that keep homes warm," Gov. Cooper said. "I'm taking action today to make it easier to get heating fuels into North Carolina for those who need it."

    Restrictions Lifted to Keep Home Heating Fuels Flowing to NC

    Today, Gov. Cooper signed Executive Order No. 30, declaring a state of emergency to temporarily waive the cap on maximum hours of service restrictions for fuel vehicles traveling in and through North Carolina. Several additional states along the east coast are requesting similar waivers on hours of service restrictions.

    The executive order will help propane and heating fuels move in and through the state more easily and quickly in response to delivery problems that could be caused by freezing temperatures in North Carolina and in the Northeast and Midwest. The order will also help meet continued demand for heating fuels. According to the North Carolina Propane Gas Association, North Carolina is the third largest user of propane in the country.

    Price Gouging Law Now in Effect Statewide

    Today's executive order has also put North Carolina's price gouging law into effect statewide for the next 30 days or for the duration of the emergency, whichever is less. The price gouging law prohibits overcharging in a time of crisis.

    North Carolinians who spot potential gas price gouging may report it to the North Carolina Attorney General's Office at ncdoj.gov or 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.

    Forecast Shows Freezing Temperatures, Slight Chance of Winter Precipitation Through Friday

    A slight chance of freezing drizzle or light freezing rain remains across far southeastern NC late tonight through early Friday morning. Any ice accumulations will be on the order of a hundredth of an inch or less. Confidence is not high that these areas will see precipitation, but even a light glaze of ice could result in slick conditions on sidewalks, roads, and bridges during Friday's morning commute. Temperatures across southeastern NC on Friday are expected to climb above freezing during the late morning hours.

    NC Emergency Management shared the following tips for staying warm through the cold weather:

• Only burn wood for heat. Never use grills, camping stoves, or generators indoors.
• Keep holiday decorations and other items away from heaters.
• Check your home's smoke detectors and keep a working fire extinguisher.
• Wear extra layers of clothing.

    Additional winter safety tips can be found on the free ReadyNC mobile app or online at readync.org.

• Contact: Ford Porter
•     govpress@nc.gov