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Duke Energy Requests Customers in Florida to Conserve Electricity Amid Cold Snap

Duke Energy has issued an urgent call for its Florida customers to lower their electric usage as the state battles its coldest temperatures since 2018. The utility company has observed an unprecedented surge in demand for electricity due to these extreme weather conditions.

In an official statement, Duke Energy requested its customers to voluntarily cut back on energy consumption between the hours of 5 to 9 a.m. EST on Monday, February 2, 2026. This proactive measure aims to ensure the stability of the electrical grid, allowing the company to continue providing reliable service to its more than 2 million customers during this challenging cold spell.

Why Is This Request Necessary?

Florida is currently experiencing a cold front that has significantly increased electricity demand across the southeastern United States. This surge can put immense strain on the grid, leading to potential outages if not managed properly. By conserving energy during peak hours, consumers can help mitigate this risk and maintain a steady flow of electricity to homes and businesses in the region.

Helpful Tips for Reducing Electricity Usage

To aid customers in their efforts to conserve energy, Duke Energy has provided several practical suggestions:

• - Adjust Your Thermostat: Set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature. By aligning your indoor temperature closer to the outside conditions, you can significantly reduce your energy use.
• - Limit Appliance Use: Avoid running high-energy appliances such as washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers during the specified time frame.
• - Turn Off Unneeded Devices: Ensure any unnecessary lights, devices, or gadgets are unplugged to reduce phantom energy consumption.
• - Charge Electric Vehicles Midday: Electric vehicle owners are encouraged to charge their cars during off-peak hours, specifically before 5 a.m. or after 9 a.m., when demand is lower.

Statement from Duke Energy

Melissa Seixas, the state president for Duke Energy Florida, expressed appreciation for customers' cooperation during this period. “We know power is an essential part of our customers' everyday lives, and we recognize that reducing electricity usage isn't an easy ask. Still, we appreciate our customers' cooperation and understanding as we work to continue providing safe, reliable service for our more than 2 million customers during this cold spell.”

Duke Energy Florida, which is a subsidiary of Duke Energy, currently possesses an impressive 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity. It also serves a diverse customer base across a wide area of 13,000 square miles throughout the state.

About Duke Energy

Founded in Charlotte, North Carolina, Duke Energy is one of America’s largest energy holding companies and ranks as a Fortune 150 entity. The utility has electric distribution systems serving more than 8.4 million customers across multiple states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. The company is dedicated to enhancing its electric grid while embracing sustainable energy sources, thus planning an ambitious transition towards cleaner energy solutions like renewables, nuclear, and energy storage.

Conclusion

As Florida grapples with unprecedented cold in the coming days, the call for energy conservation from Duke Energy serves as a reminder of the importance of community cooperation during demanding times. By following the company’s guidelines for energy reduction, residents can play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the power grid and ensuring everyone has access to the electricity they need.

For more information on energy conservation and updates from Duke Energy, you can visit their official website or follow them on social media channels like Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.