Customers of Duke Energy are seeing higher energy bills this winter, and the company is providing information to address concerns and misconceptions about these increases. According to Duke Energy, the main reason for higher bills is not a significant rate hike but rather prolonged cold weather leading to increased energy use.
“Extended periods of cold temperatures cause heating systems to run longer and more frequently to keep homes comfortable. That increased energy use – not a rate change – is the primary reason many customers are seeing higher bills this winter,” the company stated.
Duke Energy explained that while there was a small increase in rates for both Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress, it only accounts for about $4 for a customer using 1,000 kWh of electricity with Duke Energy Carolinas, and less than a dollar for those with Duke Energy Progress using the same amount. The rate increase itself did not significantly impact overall bills; instead, much higher usage was the main driver.
This past winter has been one of the most extreme in the last decade across Duke Energy’s service areas, with more frequent and longer-lasting cold spells as well as colder overnight lows. The company also noted that snow and ice kept many families at home, which led to additional energy use from activities such as cooking and washing dishes.
To help manage costs during colder months, Duke Energy suggests several actions: “Set thermostats to the lowest comfortable temperature; seal air leaks with caulk or weatherstripping; open blinds during the day and close them at night; run ceiling fans clockwise to push warm air down; change air filters regularly for better efficiency.”
The company offers tools like Home Energy House Call—an energy assessment program without out-of-pocket cost—Flex Savings Option (time-of-use) programs that encourage shifting usage to off-peak hours, and smart thermostat programs offering bill credits.
For those struggling with payments, flexible options are available: “Budget Billing for more predictable monthly payments year-round; due date extensions for short-term relief; Pick Your Due Date to align bills with pay schedules; installment plans to spread past-due balances over time.”
Duke Energy also highlighted available financial assistance. In 2025, over $95 million in aid supported nearly 110,800 North Carolina households through initiatives like Share the Light Fund and federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The company recently advocated in Washington D.C. on LIHEAP Action Day for continued funding support.
Customers can connect with local organizations through Duke’s Payment Assistance Finder or by calling 211 for additional resources. Early engagement is encouraged so customers can find solutions best suited to their needs.
When reviewing bills, customers are advised: “Compare bills year over year, not month to consecutive month.” Comparing January’s bill this year against last January provides clearer insight into changes in usage or cost than comparing month-to-month fluctuations.
Duke Energy serves 8.6 million electric customers across six states—North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky—and supplies natural gas service in five states. The company continues investments in grid upgrades and cleaner generation sources including renewables and storage as part of its ongoing energy transition efforts.
More information on managing seasonal costs can be found at duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings.
