Duke Energy has requested that its Florida customers voluntarily reduce their electricity use on the morning of Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, between 5 and 9 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. The request comes as the state faces its coldest weather since 2018, which is causing unusually high demand for electricity across the southeastern United States.
The company says that lowering energy usage during these hours will help protect the electric grid and maintain service for as many customers as possible. Suggested steps include setting thermostats to the lowest comfortable level, avoiding use of appliances such as washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers during the specified period, turning off unnecessary devices and lights, and charging electric vehicles midday when demand is lower.
“We know power is an essential part of our customers’ everyday lives, and we recognize that reducing electricity usage isn’t an easy ask,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “We appreciate our customers’ cooperation and understanding as we work to continue providing safe, reliable service for our more than 2 million customers during this cold spell.”
Duke Energy Florida serves about 2 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile area in Florida with a total energy capacity of 12,300 megawatts. Duke Energy’s parent company operates in several states and supplies electricity to over eight million customers nationwide.
Additional information about Duke Energy can be found at duke-energy.com or through their social media channels.
