Extreme Cold Spurs 10-Year High Usage While Duke Energy Rates Rise Just $4 per 1,000 kWh
Unusually severe winter drove Duke Energy customers’ heating-related electricity consumption to a 10-year high, vastly outweighing rate increases of approximately $4 per 1,000 kWh for Duke Energy Carolinas and under $1 for Duke Energy Progress. Duke Energy provided over $95 million in energy bill assistance to 110,800 North Carolina households in 2025.
1. Weather Drives Record Energy Use
Duke Energy service areas experienced one of the most extreme winters in a decade, with prolonged cold spells and colder overnight lows that pushed heating-related electricity consumption to a 10-year high. Increased appliance and heating system operation led to substantially higher usage per household.
2. Minimal Rate Adjustments vs. Usage Impact
Rate changes implemented for Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress added approximately $4 and under $1 respectively for every 1,000 kWh consumed, representing a small fraction of the total bill increases compared to usage-driven costs.
3. Customer Assistance Programs and Savings Tools
In 2025, Duke Energy contributed over $95 million in bill assistance to 110,800 North Carolina households through programs like the Share the Light Fund and LIHEAP, and offers customers cost-management tools including Home Energy House Call assessments, time-of-use rates, smart thermostat credits, and flexible payment plans.