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.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Aug. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Duke Energy joined community leaders in Sumter County to celebrate the groundbreaking of the company's new Wildwood Training Center, a state-of-the-art facility that will support the teams and systems that play a vital role in powering Florida communities.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Duke Energy Foundation today announced $700,000 of new funding will be made available to North Carolina small businesses in partnership with community development organizations. Small business grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 will be distributed through 20 community organizations to support retail shops, restaurants and other small businesses looking to expand, upgrade technology and improve downtown storefronts.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Aug. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Duke Energy Foundation is celebrating its 40-year anniversary by awarding $40,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations serving Florida. Four organizations will each receive a $10,000 grant to support their work, helping strengthen and uplift communities across the Sunshine State.  

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- To help lower energy costs for low-income families this summer, Duke Energy is making more than $4.6 million in financial aid available to eligible customers through the company's Share the Light Fund®.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy restored power to more than 95% of Carolinas customers affected by Tropical Storm Debby within 24 hours of it arriving in the Carolinas. In total, the company has restored more than 510,000 outages caused by the storm in the Carolinas.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As Tropical Storm Debby moves beyond the Carolinas, Piedmont Natural Gas is closely monitoring for damages caused by heavy rains and flooding. Piedmont crews will canvass flood-impacted areas to inspect natural gas meters for signs of submersion as conditions become safe and floodwaters recede.

"Piedmont is taking the necessary steps to make sure our customers can safely operate their natural gas equipment and appliances in the aftermath of Debby," said Adam Long, Piedmont Natural Gas chief operations officer.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tropical Storm Debby continues to impact the Carolinas, and Duke Energy's 7,500 lineworkers, vegetation workers and other support personnel are either restoring power or strategically positioned to move once conditions are safe to do so.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy Florida is showing customers easy do-it-yourself projects to help maximize energy efficiency through the peak of the sizzling summer heat.

The company has also decreased rates in January and again in June. Residential customers are paying approximately $17 per 1,000 kWh less today, compared to one year ago.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) has enrolled more than 1,300 customers in North Carolina in its new PowerPairSM pilot, a one-time incentive-based program designed to help make a home solar plus battery system more affordable for customers.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., July 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy Florida, consumer representatives and business groups reached a comprehensive agreement that increases reliability and advances the clean energy vision for the state, while focusing on ways to assist and pass on savings to customers.

If approved by the Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC), the agreement will allow for an increase in base rates, among other provisions, yet the company still expects overall customer bills to decrease in January 2025, compared to January 2024. The 2022 fuel under-recovery, storm restoration cost recovery and some legacy purchased power contracts will expire by year-end 2024. The removal of these costs will lower customer bills.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) today declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock of $1.045 per share, an increase of $0.02. This dividend is payable on Sept. 16, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Aug. 16, 2024.

The company also declared a quarterly cash dividend on its Series A preferred stock of $359.375 per share payable on Sept. 16, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business Aug. 16, 2024. This is equivalent to $0.359375 per depositary share.