Duke Energy Florida has announced that residential customers who use 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity can expect their bills to decrease by about $44 starting in March 2026. The company stated this reduction comes as part of its annual rate adjustment and the removal of the storm cost recovery charge.
Melissa Seixas, president of Duke Energy in Florida, said, “Duke Energy Florida understands that our customers are facing economic hardships, which often forces them to make difficult decisions about which bills they can afford to pay. That’s why keeping costs low remains a priority for us, and we will continue connecting them with assistance programs and tools that help them save.”
The upcoming rate changes include adjustments for fuel costs, capacity, energy conservation, the storm protection plan, and environmental compliance costs specific to Duke Energy Florida. The company emphasized it does not profit from fuel cost increases and is committed to shielding customers from price fluctuations under a three-year agreement reached with customer advocacy groups in 2024.
Rates for 2026 reflect investments aimed at improving grid reliability and expanding solar power. According to Duke Energy Florida, these investments are expected to result in fewer outages, quicker restoration after storms, and lower fuel costs. The Florida Public Service Commission is expected to approve the changes later this year.
In January and February 2026, typical residential customers using 1,000 kWh will see an increase of about $7.54 compared to December 2025. However, starting in March 2026, bills are projected to drop by approximately $44.16 compared to February 2026. Commercial and industrial customers will see their bills rise between 4.3% and 8.2% early in the year before a decrease of between 9.6% and 15.8% beginning in March.
The main reason for the reduction is the end of charges related to storm recovery following Duke Energy Florida’s response to hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton.
Duke Energy Florida noted that electricity rates may still fluctuate during the year due to changes in fuel prices or storm-related costs.
To support customers facing financial challenges or seeking ways to manage energy use more efficiently, Duke Energy Florida offers several programs:
– Free home energy checkups (in person, online or by phone)
– Rebates for energy efficiency upgrades
– Weatherization program for income-qualified households
– Annual bill credits through the EnergyWise Home program
– Time-of-use rates offering lower prices for shifting consumption away from peak hours
– Budget billing for predictable monthly payments
– Share the Light Fund providing financial aid through partner agencies
More details on these programs are available at duke-energy.com/HereToHelp and duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings.
Duke Energy Florida supplies electricity across a service area covering 13,000 square miles and serves two million customers statewide with a generating capacity of 12,300 megawatts.
Parent company Duke Energy operates as one of America’s largest electric holding companies with utilities serving around 8.4 million customers across six states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Its gas utilities serve another 1.7 million customers across five states.
The company says it is continuing its transition toward cleaner energy while maintaining reliability through major grid improvements and investment in natural gas, nuclear power, renewables and storage technologies.
Further information can be found at duke-energy.com or via social media channels including X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
“Duke Energy Florida understands that our customers are facing economic hardships, which often forces them to make difficult decisions about which bills they can afford to pay. That’s why keeping costs low remains a priority for us, and we will continue connecting them with assistance programs and tools that help them save.” — Melissa Seixas
Contact: Aly Raschid
24 hours: 800.559.3853
X: @DE_AlyRaschid
