As of 2 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 26, Duke Energy had restored service to more than 131,000 customers across North Carolina and South Carolina, leaving approximately 22,000 still without power. The utility’s storm director, Rick Canavan, reported crews focusing on areas with significant equipment damage along the Blue Ridge Escarpment—locations such as Hendersonville, Travelers Rest and Clemson—where challenging road conditions may delay full restoration until Tuesday. Duke Energy’s outage map indicates 93,609 restorations and 10,554 active outages in North Carolina, alongside 37,450 restorations and 11,422 active outages in South Carolina. With a service territory encompassing about 4.7 million Carolinas electric customers and a broader footprint of 8.6 million customers nationwide, the company has deployed its full storm workforce, including 18,000 lineworkers and support staff, to prioritize transmission and substation repairs before neighborhood-level restorations.

In its latest SEC filing, Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft FI reported an 8.6% reduction in its position in Duke Energy, selling 6,054 shares during the third quarter to hold 64,583 shares at quarter end. The remaining stake represents approximately $8.0 million in book value. This move follows a series of small adjustments by other asset managers during the same period, as Legacy Investment Solutions LLC, Mascoma Wealth Management LLC and Access Investment Management LLC each initiated or modestly increased positions, reflecting diversified approaches to utility exposure. Institutional and hedge fund ownership now accounts for just over 65% of Duke Energy’s outstanding shares, underscoring the sector’s inclusion in balanced income-oriented portfolios.