As winter energy bills rise, Duke Energy is working to clarify the reasons behind the increase and outline ways customers can manage their costs.
According to Duke Energy, prolonged cold weather has been the main factor driving up energy bills this season. The company explained that extended periods of low temperatures force heating systems to operate longer and more frequently, which results in higher energy consumption. “That increased energy use – not a rate change – is the primary reason many customers are seeing higher bills this winter,” Duke Energy stated.
The company acknowledged there was a small rate increase for both Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress, but emphasized that it only accounted for about $4 per month for a typical customer using 1,000 kWh of electricity with Duke Energy Carolinas, and less than $1 for those with Duke Energy Progress. They stressed that these changes were minor compared to the impact of increased usage during colder weather.
Duke Energy described this past winter as one of the most severe in its service areas over the last decade, marked by frequent and long-lasting cold spells. The company also noted that snow and ice kept many families at home more often, leading to greater use of appliances such as ovens and dishwashers.
The utility also addressed common misconceptions about controlling energy costs. “Even during cold weather, customers can take steps that add up to meaningful savings,” according to Duke Energy. Suggestions include setting thermostats to the lowest comfortable temperature, sealing air leaks, using blinds strategically, running ceiling fans clockwise, and changing air filters regularly.
In addition to these measures, Duke Energy offers several programs designed to help customers manage their usage and costs. These include Home Energy House Call (an in-home assessment), Flex Savings Option (which encourages shifting usage to off-peak hours), and smart thermostat programs with initial bill credits for qualifying devices.
For those struggling with payments, flexible options are available. Customers can consider Budget Billing for consistent monthly payments throughout the year, request due date extensions or installment plans for overdue balances, or choose billing dates that align better with their pay schedules.
Financial assistance remains accessible through various channels. In 2025 alone, more than $95 million was distributed in North Carolina via programs like Share the Light Fund and federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), helping nearly 110,800 households. The company recently joined LIHEAP Action Day meetings with congressional offices in support of continued federal funding for this program.
Duke Energy advises customers facing financial difficulties to seek help early through resources like its Payment Assistance Finder or by calling 211 for community support services.
The company recommends comparing energy bills year-over-year rather than month-to-month due to seasonal fluctuations: “Looking at this January alongside last January makes it easier to see what’s really changed in your energy use and costs.”
Duke Energy serves 8.6 million electric customers across six states—North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky—and provides natural gas service to 1.7 million customers in five states. The company continues investing in grid upgrades and cleaner generation sources while maintaining reliability during its transition toward smarter energy solutions.
More information on managing seasonal bills is available at duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings.
