Floridians are expected to experience the coldest temperatures in nearly a decade this weekend, with forecasts predicting weather 20-25 degrees below the average for this time of year. The last comparable cold spell occurred in January 2010. Duke Energy is urging customers to prepare for increased energy use as heating systems work harder to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.
Melissa Seixas, state president of Duke Energy Florida, said, “Duke Energy’s team of meteorologists tells us the Sunshine State is in for a bit of a shock this weekend – here in St. Petersburg, where our headquarters have been for more than 125 years, we could see temperatures below freezing for the first time since 2018. While we’re fully prepared to manage the increased energy consumption we know will come from this cold spell, we hope all of our customers, from the panhandle down to Highlands County, will utilize the resources we offer to take control of their own usage and save money.”
To help customers manage higher bills during the cold weather, Duke Energy recommends several programs and tips. Customers can enroll qualified appliances in the EnergyWise Home Program and receive up to $141 annually in bill credits. Another option is the Time-of-use Rate Program, which encourages shifting energy use to off-peak hours for additional savings.
The company also suggests practical steps such as setting thermostats to the lowest comfortable setting, changing air filters regularly, sealing air leaks around windows and doors, operating ceiling fans clockwise to distribute warm air downward (and turning them off when leaving a room), and using blinds or curtains strategically—opening them during daylight hours for natural warmth and closing them at night for insulation.
Duke Energy offers Usage Alerts so customers can monitor their energy consumption and make changes before receiving their bills. More information on these resources can be found at duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings.
Duke Energy Florida supplies electricity to two million customers across a 13,000-square-mile area and owns 12,300 megawatts of capacity. Its parent company serves 8.4 million electric utility customers across six states and is investing in grid upgrades and cleaner energy sources as part of its ongoing transition efforts.
For further details about Duke Energy’s services or assistance programs, visit duke-energy.com or contact their customer service line.
