Floridians can expect higher electricity bills following a recent cold snap, as heating systems across the state required more energy to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Duke Energy Florida has announced that it is offering resources to help customers manage these increased costs and avoid potential scams.
Despite the expected rise in energy use due to colder weather, Duke Energy reports that rates for residential customers are set to decrease in the coming months. Customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity will see a $33 reduction on their February bills compared to January, with an additional $11 decrease anticipated in March.
Duke Energy is also warning about a possible increase in scam activity. In February 2025, nearly 800 scam reports were received after another period of cold weather. The company expects similar activity this month and encourages customers to be cautious and learn how to recognize common types of scams.
To assist those struggling with payments, Duke Energy offers installment plans, due date extensions, and programs such as the Share the Light Fund. Customers can also access free home assessments and rebates for energy-efficiency improvements aimed at reducing long-term usage.
The company advises anyone who encounters suspicious activity or believes they have been targeted by scammers to contact law enforcement, Duke Energy itself, and the Better Business Bureau.
“Duke Energy has a dedicated team ready to provide our customers with the individualized support they need,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “It’s my hope they will come directly to us so we can help them get back on track as quickly as possible and avoid opportunistic, increasingly sophisticated scams.”
Duke Energy Florida serves approximately 2 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile area in Florida with 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity. Its parent company, Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), is based in Charlotte, North Carolina and serves over 8 million electric utility customers across six states while also operating natural gas utilities serving 1.7 million customers.
The company continues its focus on reliability and value for its customers through investments in grid upgrades and cleaner generation sources such as natural gas, nuclear power, renewables, and energy storage.
More information can be found at duke-energy.com or via the company’s social media channels including X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and illumination.
For further inquiries or assistance from Duke Energy Florida’s team:
Contact: Aly Raschid
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
X: @DE_AlyRaschid
