Floridians are expected to experience unusually cold temperatures this weekend, with forecasts predicting conditions 20-25 degrees below the seasonal average. Duke Energy Florida is advising customers that heating systems will likely work harder, leading to increased energy use and higher bills.
“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,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “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 costs during the cold spell, Duke Energy Florida recommends several programs and tips. Customers can enroll qualified appliances in the EnergyWise Home Program for up to $141 in annual bill credits or participate in the Time-of-use Rate Program by shifting energy use to off-peak hours.
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 more effectively, and using blinds or curtains strategically to retain heat.
Customers can sign up for Usage Alerts from Duke Energy Florida to monitor their energy consumption and make adjustments before receiving their bills. More information on these programs and tips is available at duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings.
Duke Energy Florida serves about 2 million customers across a 13,000-square-mile area in Florida with 12,300 megawatts of capacity. Its parent company, Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), based in Charlotte, North Carolina, provides electricity to over 8 million customers across six states and operates a total capacity of 54,800 megawatts. The company 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 updates during extreme weather events, customers can visit duke-energy.com or follow official channels on social media platforms.
