Customers across Duke Energy’s service areas have seen higher energy bills this winter, prompting the company to clarify the main reasons behind the increase and highlight resources available to help manage costs.
Duke Energy reports that extended cold weather is the primary cause of rising energy bills. The company explained that heating systems run more often and for longer periods during prolonged cold spells, leading to greater energy use. “That increased energy use – not a rate change – is the primary reason many customers are seeing higher bills this winter,” Duke Energy stated.
The utility acknowledged a recent rate increase but said it had minimal impact on most customers’ bills. For example, a typical Duke Energy Carolinas customer using 1,000 kWh of electricity saw an increase of about $4, while Duke Energy Progress customers saw less than a dollar difference for similar usage. According to Duke Energy, much higher usage due to extreme winter conditions was the main driver of bill increases.
This past winter ranked among the most severe in the last decade within Duke Energy’s territories, with frequent and lengthy cold snaps, colder nights, and increased heating demand. In addition, snow and ice kept more families at home, raising appliance usage.
Duke Energy also addressed misconceptions about managing high bills during cold weather. The company suggested several steps for customers to save on their energy bills: setting thermostats to the lowest comfortable temperature; sealing air leaks; adjusting blinds; running ceiling fans clockwise; and regularly changing air filters.
The company offers tools such as Home Energy House Call—a free in-home assessment with recommendations—along with Flex Savings Option (a time-of-use program), and smart thermostat programs that provide initial bill credits up to $150 plus $50 annually for qualifying devices.
For those struggling with payments, flexible options are available. These include Budget Billing for consistent monthly payments, due date extensions, Pick Your Due Date plans aligned with pay schedules, and installment plans for past-due balances.
Duke Energy highlighted that financial assistance remains available for qualifying households. In 2025 alone, over $95 million in aid supported nearly 110,800 North Carolina households through programs like Share the Light Fund and federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The company recently advocated continued LIHEAP funding during meetings with congressional offices.
Customers can find local organizations offering bill help via Duke’s Payment Assistance Finder or by calling 211 for additional community resources. “Customers are encouraged to seek help early to find the option that best fits their needs,” according to Duke Energy.
The company advises comparing current bills year-over-year rather than month-to-month because seasonal changes can significantly affect usage patterns.
Duke Energy serves approximately 8.6 million electric customers across six states and operates 55,100 megawatts of capacity. Its natural gas services reach another 1.7 million customers in five states. The company continues investing in grid upgrades and cleaner generation sources as part of its transition toward a smarter energy future.
Additional tips and information are available at duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings.
