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Duke Energy Supports Florida Customers After Cold Snap

Duke Energy, one of the leading energy providers in the United States, is extending its support to residents of Florida who are reeling from increased electricity costs due to a recent cold snap. As temperatures dropped, many households experienced a spike in energy consumption, leading to higher utility bills. To alleviate the financial strain, Duke Energy is offering various bill-payment resources and important information on fraud prevention.

Increased Energy Consumption

The recent cold weather forced many households to turn up their heating systems, which in turn increased energy usage significantly. Many Floridians are likely to see a rise in their electricity bills as a result. However, there is a silver lining; Duke Energy has announced that while residential customers utilizing around 1,000 kilowatt-hours will see increased costs, there will also be noticeable decreases in their bills over the next couple of months. Specifically, customers can expect a $33 reduction in February's bill compared to January, followed by an additional $11 decrease in March. This positive note may provide some relief to those who are concerned about their budgets following the cold snap.

Scams and Fraud Prevention

Another concern that Duke Energy is addressing is the rising number of scams targeting its customers. Reports indicate that there were nearly 800 scam incidents reported in February 2025 — a similar pattern observed during the previous cold snap. With the expectation for a spike in scam activities during this time, customers are urged to remain vigilant. Duke Energy encourages its customers to familiarize themselves with common scams and take proactive measures to protect themselves.

Support and Resources

Duke Energy is committed to supporting its customers through challenging times. They offer various programs to assist with bill payments, including:

• - Installment Plans: Customized payment options for customers needing assistance.
• - Due Date Extensions: Flexibility for those facing temporary financial hardships.
• - Payment Assistance Finder: A tool to help customers locate available assistance programs, such as the Share the Light Fund®, which helps those in dire need.

In addition to financial support, Duke Energy provides energy-efficiency solutions to help customers manage their usage effectively and lower costs in the long run. These include free home energy assessments, rebates on improvements, and a host of other tips and tools aimed at conserving energy.

Message from Leadership

Melissa Seixas, the President of Duke Energy Florida, expressed her view on the situation, stating, "Duke Energy has a dedicated team ready to provide our customers with the individualized support they need. It's my hope that they will come directly to us so we can help them get back on track as quickly as possible and avoid opportunistic, increasingly sophisticated scams."

Duke Energy Florida operates extensively across a 13,000-square-mile service area, supplying electricity to approximately 2 million customers. As part of a broader strategy, the company is also undergoing a significant energy transition, focusing on grid upgrades and cleaner energy generation. With a commitment to building a smarter energy future, Duke Energy is investing in natural gas, nuclear energy, renewables, and energy storage solutions.

For the latest updates and further assistance, customers can visit the Duke Energy website or follow them on their social media platforms, including X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. It's a time to stay informed and connected as they navigate these icy challenges together.

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For more information about Duke Energy, visit their official website.