The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the selection of Duke Energy to receive $50 million to help deploy innovative technologies that expand and optimize grid capacity, strengthen reliability, lower costs for customers and accelerate critical infrastructure improvements in growing communities across North and South Carolina.
Two years ago, Hurricanes Helene and Milton impacted Florida, resulting in nearly 2 million reported power outages. Since then, Duke Energy Florida has continued its investments in energy infrastructure, resulting in increasingly more reliable service ahead of any future storms.
Last year, Duke Energy Indiana provided $450,000 in shareholder funding for direct bill assistance through its Share the Light Fund. This year, the company is providing $900,000 in funding from shareholders through a combination of its Share the Light Fund and its new Summer Energy Credit program.
On Friday, Sept. 18, the Duke Energy Foundation presented $93,000 – $1,000 for every Tampa Bay Rays win this season – to the Share the Light Fund, which provides energy bill payment assistance for customers.
Duke Energy is asking customers in North Carolina and South Carolina to voluntarily reduce electricity use from 2-8 p.m. today, Sept. 18, to help reduce demand on the power grid during the day’s peak period.
Duke Energy has received national recognition for helping customers recover quickly from Winter Storm Fern, restoring service to nearly 200,000 customers after the storm brought freezing rain, sleet and snow across the Carolinas in January 2026.
September 10 marks the meteorological peak of Atlantic hurricane season, a time that Duke Energy Florida prepares for year-round. It’s continual grid-hardening work means energy is more reliable for customers when it’s needed most.
Duke Energy Florida customers can expect lower rates beginning in January 2027, compared to December 2026, following a request the company filed today with the Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC).