Floridians are expected to face higher electricity bills following a recent cold snap, according to Duke Energy Florida. The company said that as temperatures dropped, heating systems required more energy, leading to increased consumption and costs for customers.
Despite the higher usage during the cold weather, Duke Energy stated that rates are still decreasing. Residential customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity will see their February bills reduced by $33 compared to January. An additional $11 decrease is expected in March.
The company also warned about a possible increase in scam attempts targeting customers. In February 2025, nearly 800 scam reports were made after another period of cold weather. Duke Energy expects similar activity this month and encourages customers to be cautious and learn how to recognize common scams.
To assist those facing difficulties with their bills, Duke Energy offers several payment assistance options. Customers can request installment plans or due date extensions and access programs such as the Share the Light Fund. The company also provides free home assessments and rebates for energy efficiency improvements.
Customers who encounter suspected scams are advised to report them to law enforcement, Duke Energy, and the Better Business Bureau.
“Duke Energy has a dedicated team ready to provide our customers with the individualized support they need,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “It’s my hope 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 supplies electricity to two million residential, commercial, and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile area in Florida. Its parent company, Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), serves 8.4 million electric utility customers across six states and owns 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity nationwide.
The company is investing in upgrades to its electric grid and cleaner energy sources including natural gas, nuclear power, renewables, and storage technologies as part of its transition toward a smarter energy future.
More information about Duke Energy can be found at duke-energy.com and through its social media channels on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, or by visiting its News Center.
