Correction: An earlier draft of this story referred to tenants inside Carew Tower as residents.
Tenants in Cincinnati's iconic Carew Tower were given an unexpected surprise Monday in the form of an electricity shut-off notice from Duke Energy.
The letter informed tenants and business owners leasing space inside the tower that their power would be cut after noon on Wednesday, Feb. 10 -- a courtesy the company said they did not have to extend to residents inside a commercial building.
"We regret to find ourselves in this unfortunate position," reads the letter from Duke, which spokesperson Sally Thelan confirmed was legitimate. "Duke Evergy has made numerous attempts to prevent this outcome. At this stage, it does not look favorable that any positive developments will take place within the next 10 days to avoid the disconnection of utility services at Carew Tower."
Greg Power, owner of Carew Tower, said he's been working with Duke Energy and there should be no disconnect on Feb. 10. He said he intends to send a letter to residents soon to explain the situation.
Power said much of the issue behind the unpaid utility bill has stemmed from the Hilton.
The hotel has been behind on payments while business has been slow through the COVID-19 pandemic and Power said he has been fronting the Hilton's portion of bills himself. He estimated he's covered $500,000 worth of payments so far.
