Floridians can expect higher electricity bills following last week’s cold snap, according to Duke Energy Florida. The company says colder temperatures caused heating systems to use more energy, leading to increased consumption for many customers.
Despite the recent spike in usage, Duke Energy reports that rates are decreasing. Residential customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours will see their February bills reduced by $33 compared to January. An additional $11 decrease is expected in March.
The company also warns of a likely increase in scam activity following extreme weather events. After a similar cold spell in February 2025, nearly 800 scam reports were made to Duke Energy. Customers are encouraged to remain cautious and learn how to identify common scams.
To help those struggling with higher bills, Duke Energy offers several forms of assistance. 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 energy assessments and rebates for improvement projects aimed at reducing energy usage over time.
Duke Energy urges anyone who suspects they have been targeted by a scam to contact law enforcement, the company itself, 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 across a 13,000-square-mile area in Florida and serves about two million residential, commercial and industrial customers with an energy capacity of 12,300 megawatts.
Parent company Duke Energy is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina and is one of the largest energy holding companies in the United States. It serves electric utility customers across six states and owns 54,800 megawatts of capacity nationwide.
For more information about assistance programs or tips on saving energy, visit duke-energy.com or check out their social media channels including X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
