#United States #Charlotte #Duke Energy #Energy Industry #Fortune Magazine

Duke Energy's Recognition by Fortune Magazine

Duke Energy has once again made headlines by being included in Fortune magazine's prestigious list of the World's Most Admired Companies for 2026. Ranked third among electric and gas utilities, this marks the company’s ninth consecutive year on this esteemed list, highlighting its sustained leadership and reputation in the energy sector.

A Closer Look at the Rankings

Duke Energy's rise to the third spot from the fourth in the previous year showcases its commitment to excellence. The company is now recognized as one of the top four utilities for five consecutive years. This ranking reflects the trust and confidence that customers and industry experts have in Duke Energy, especially as it adapts and innovates in an ever-evolving energy landscape.

The Significance of This Achievement

This accolade is not just a feather in the cap; it underscores the company's effective management of modernizing the grid to meet increasing customer demand in a period characterized by significant transformation in the energy industry. As Harry Sideris, the President and CEO of Duke Energy, stated, the recognition is a testament to the trust they have earned through reliable service delivery and innovative solutions.

Key Factors Contributing to Duke Energy's Success

1. Reliability: In 2025, Duke Energy's smart, self-healing grid technology was instrumental in preventing 2.2 million customer outages, which translated to over 5.2 million hours saved across its service areas. Nearly 75% of customers now benefit from this technology, showcasing Duke Energy's commitment to enhancing reliability.

2. Community Resilience: Over the past six years, the Duke Energy Foundation, alongside its employees, has invested more than $34.2 million in non-profit organizations. These funds have significantly supported community resilience, emergency preparedness, and disaster recovery efforts in the regions it serves.

3. Future-Ready Infrastructure: Duke Energy is not resting on its laurels. The company plans to add over 13 gigawatts of new generation capacity and invest more than $35 billion in grid modernization over the next five years. This ambitious plan aims to support reliability and customer value while also playing a pivotal role in the decarbonization efforts of the energy system.

Behind the Rankings

The methodology used by Fortune to determine these rankings is based on feedback from thousands of executives, directors, and industry analysts. They evaluate companies across nine criteria, including innovation, financial performance, quality of products and services, and overall global competitiveness. Duke Energy's performance across these criteria has significantly improved, translating to its higher ranking this year.

As one of the largest energy holding companies in America, Duke Energy operates in six states, providing electricity to approximately 8.6 million customers. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, Duke Energy is poised to lead the industry into a cleaner and smarter energy future while continuing to prioritize reliability and customer experience.

For more updates on Duke Energy's initiatives and innovations, visit their official website or follow them on social media platforms like X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Together, they showcase the ongoing transformation in the energy sector and its impact on the communities served.

In conclusion, Duke Energy’s recognition by Fortune not only reflects its past achievements but also emphasizes its commitment to future advancements in the energy industry. As they invest and innovate, they are setting the standard for reliability, resilience, and environmental responsibility in energy.