Zax (Duke Power)
| Industry | Electric utility |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1904 |
| Headquarters | Charlotte , United States |
| Parent | Duke Energy |
Zax is a cartoon mascot developed in 1984 for Duke Power, the electric utility based in Charlotte, North Carolina, which is now part of Duke Energy. Created to connect with young audiences, Zax served as an educational figure promoting electrical safety and energy conservation through public service announcements during the 1980s. The character’s voice was performed by Larry Sprinkle, a well-known weatherman from Charlotte.
Zax was featured in animated television PSAs, a Sunday comic strip in newspapers, and made live appearances portrayed by a costumed performer at schools and libraries.
History
Duke Power introduced Zax in 1984 through a series of PSAs where the computer-generated character learned about electrical safety from children. The first 60-second commercial depicted Zax jumping out of a computer screen to play outside but engaging in dangerous behaviors such as climbing electrical transmission towers. The children corrected his actions, highlighting the importance of staying safe around power lines and electrical equipment. The campaign was recognized by its tagline: "This message brought to you by your friends at Duke Power."
Subsequent advertisements focused on risks like operating electrical appliances near water and avoiding downed power lines after storms. To support classroom learning, Duke Power created educational kits featuring Zax and his friends, which included posters, light switch covers, film strips, and audio tapes. Later initiatives incorporated Zax into Electric Safety poster competitions and Earth Day celebrations alongside other mascots such as Smokey Bear.
By 1997, Duke Power was still distributing Zax-themed coloring books and showing the film "Zax's Electric Safety Team" at North Carolina 4-H club events. A small batch of plush Zax dolls was produced in 1986.
At the Oconee Nuclear Station in Seneca, South Carolina, Duke’s "World of Energy" exhibit includes a life-sized sculpture of Zax as part of its educational attractions.