ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As Hurricane Helene approaches Florida, Duke Energy has already begun restoring customers impacted by the storm. As of 5:00 pm, Duke Energy had nearly 47,000 customers without power in Florida. So far, nearly 42,000 customers have been restored.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy is finalizing its preparations for Helene in the Carolinas. This includes strategically staging more than 10,000 lineworkers, tree trimmers and other storm support personnel. The company is also asking customers to ready themselves for severe rain and tropical-storm-force gusts, which could lead to power outages.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As Hurricane Helene makes landfall in Florida later today, Duke Energy Florida is reminding customers that the company has 8,000 workers, including nearly 4,000 in The Villages in Central Florida, ready to respond to widespread power outages as soon as conditions allow. The company is also encouraging customers to remain informed and vigilant – while prioritizing safety above all else – before, during and after the storm.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy is asking its customers in the Carolinas to ready themselves and their family members for Tropical Storm Helene, which is likely to impact the region late Thursday and into Friday. This includes preparing for potential power outages.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy Florida is readying 8,000 workers to respond to Tropical Storm Helene. As the storm approaches, these skilled individuals are being strategically placed across the state, enabling them to respond as quickly as possible to widespread power outages that are expected as a result of strong winds and heavy rainfall.

The company is also sending crews from Duke Energy's Midwest operations in Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy Florida is closely monitoring Potential Tropical Cyclone 9, which is expected to soon become Tropical Storm Helene, and preparing for the possibility of strong winds, heavy rain and flooding that may lead to widespread power outages across the state later this week.

"While Potential Tropical Cyclone 9's path and intensity are still uncertain, Duke Energy Florida is preparing to respond as quickly as possible should our customers experience any disruptions in service," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. "We strongly encourage our customers to plan ahead for the potential impacts of the storm and use this time to ensure they have all the supplies they need to stay safe and informed."

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy and the Tampa Bay Rays continue their commitment to our communities with a $100,000 donation to Florida agencies.

During the Tampa Bay Rays' final week at home this season, the Duke Energy Foundation presented grants to support the 14 local agencies to help customers pay their energy bills through the Share the Light Fund®.

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Energy is expanding its existing free in-home assessment program and providing new virtual, phone and web options for customers through its Home Energy House Call program.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Duke Energy Foundation has announced $740,000 in grants to support 18 education-based organizations to continue Duke Energy Florida's investment in education and future workforce needs statewide.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Piedmont Natural Gas has reached a comprehensive agreement with consumer and industrial groups in North Carolina related to its rate review request, filed in April of this year.

GREENVILLE, S.C., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- South Carolina's senior population should never have to decide between the necessities of life and living out their golden years in safety in their own home.

"Being able to safely enter and exit our homes is a basic need for everyone," said Mark Champagne, executive director of Sumter United Ministries. "We have been told of seniors in our community being physically carried in and out of their home because there wasn't a suitable wheelchair ramp available."

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Just as Duke Energy makes extensive preparations ahead of severe weather and other emergencies, Duke Energy Foundation is committed to helping ensure its communities are well prepared before disaster strikes.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy's year-round grid-strengthening work and advanced technology help keep Florida communities resilient and better protected against disasters such as hurricanes.

"Regardless of when and where the next storm strikes," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, "Duke Energy is ready, and we encourage our customers to take this time to reassess and communicate their emergency response plans with their families, friends, neighbors and employees."

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy Florida requested to lower rates and decrease customer bills in January 2025 as part of an annual adjustment for the cost of fuel used to generate electricity at the company's power plants.

The company plans to decrease Florida residential rates by approximately 6%, while making grid improvements to enhance reliability, security and resilience in 2025 and beyond. 

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Aug. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Duke Energy Foundation is investing $200,000 in grants to support 15 economic development organizations working to attract business to the state and bolster Florida's vibrant economy.

"Companies often consider establishing, expanding or relocating their operations to Florida because of the state's economic strength," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. "It's a privilege to support innovative strategies that will build on that success and help ensure our economy continues to grow and thrive for generations to come."

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy Carolinas customers in North Carolina will see their electric rates fall starting Jan. 1 as part of an annual adjustment for the cost of fuel used to generate electricity at its power plants.

A typical residential customer in North Carolina using 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month will see an overall decrease of $5.17, or about 3.6%, from current rates, falling from $142.17 to $137. That is 23% below the national average of $177.09 – a difference of approximately $480 per year.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. and TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- While restoration is a critical part of Duke Energy Florida's and Tampa Electric's everyday work and hurricane response plans, this is the first time the two local utilities have combined resources to protect Tampa Bay's ecosystems and increase environmental resilience within the region.

Today, more than 40 volunteers, employees and environmental experts from Duke Energy Florida, Tampa Electric, Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Florida, Hillsborough County's Conservation and Land Management and Pinellas County's Environmental Management Division, led a unique restoration project by simultaneously planting nearly 700 red and black mangroves at two locations impacted by tidal influence.

CINCINNATI, Aug. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With temperatures soaring across the Midwest this week, Duke Energy has tips to help you take control of your energy use while keeping you and your family cool.

High temperatures can lead to higher energy usage and higher bills as Duke Energy customers try to stay cool. To help manage costs and to reduce overall energy demand, particularly during the afternoon hours when usage tends to peak, customers can follow these simple tips:

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Aug. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Florida Public Service Commission approved Duke Energy Florida's comprehensive, multiyear rate agreement without modification.

As a result, and when combined with other expected rate changes, Duke Energy Florida currently projects typical residential customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours will save an estimated $8.26, or approximately 5%, on their electric bills in January 2025 when compared to December 2024.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy is expanding its existing in-home assessment program and providing new virtual, phone and web options for customers through its Home Energy House Call program. Through education and awareness of energy use, our energy specialists help customers find ways to save energy and money by being more efficient. Customers receive a free energy efficiency kit, a customized usage report, low-cost tips and expert recommendations to help them see energy savings.