Duke Energy Corp Stock Price, News & Analysis

Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK) has submitted a final license application to FERC to extend operations at its Bad Creek Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Station for an additional 50 years. The facility, located in Salem, S.C., recently underwent upgrades that increased its total capacity by 320 megawatts to 1,680 megawatts.

The current license expires in July 2027, and Duke Energy has consulted with over 70 stakeholders for the new license proposal. The Bad Creek facility, operating since 1991, serves as the company's largest "battery" system, supporting nearly 860,000 retail electric customers across South Carolina through its pumped storage hydro technology, which moves water between two reservoirs at different elevations to store and generate energy.

Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK) has filed for regulatory approval to combine its two electric utilities, Duke Energy Carolinas (DEC) and Duke Energy Progress (DEP), into a single utility. The strategic reorganization, planned for a January 1, 2027 effective date, is projected to save customers over $1 billion through 2038.

The combination will create operational efficiencies across a 52,000-square-mile service area in the Carolinas, serving 4.7 million customers with a combined 34,600 megawatts of energy capacity. Key benefits include reduced infrastructure investments, improved grid reliability, and more efficient resource planning. No immediate changes to retail rates or services will occur before 2027.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) is highlighting National Safe Digging Day (811 Day) on August 11, 2025, emphasizing the critical importance of contacting 811 before starting any digging projects. The company reported over 5,000 damages to electric and natural gas lines in their service territories during the first half of 2025, including 290 damages to underground natural gas facilities and 89 damages to underground electric networks specifically in Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky serves 920,000 electric customers and 560,000 natural gas customers across Ohio and Kentucky. The company stresses that contractors, homeowners, and business owners must call 811 at least three business days before any excavation to have utility lines marked, preventing costly and dangerous damages.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 energy holding company, has released its second-quarter 2025 financial results. The company will host an investor presentation at 10 a.m. ET featuring CEO Harry Sideris and CFO Brian Savoy.

Duke Energy serves 8.6 million electric utility customers across six states and 1.7 million natural gas customers across five states. The company is actively pursuing an energy transition strategy, focusing on electric grid upgrades and diversifying its generation portfolio through investments in natural gas, nuclear, renewables, and energy storage.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) has announced a strategic partnership with Brookfield, which will acquire a 19.7% non-controlling equity interest in Duke Energy Florida for $6 billion. The transaction will be executed in phases from 2026 to 2028, with Duke Energy retaining an 80.3% controlling stake and operational control.

The deal supports Duke Energy's expanded $87 billion five-year capital plan, with $2 billion of proceeds funding capital investments and $4 billion reducing holding company debt. Duke Energy Florida's five-year capital plan will increase by $4 billion to over $16 billion through 2029, focusing on grid modernization and generation capacity enhancements.

This partnership enables Duke Energy to increase its long-term FFO/Debt target by 100 basis points to 15% and supports a 5% to 7% EPS growth rate through 2029. The transaction requires regulatory approvals and is expected to close in early 2026.

Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK) has significantly enhanced its energy efficiency and demand response program incentives in South Carolina, with some incentives doubling or tripling in value. The updated programs, approved by the Public Service Commission of South Carolina, launched on August 1, 2025.

Key improvements include expanded residential benefits such as free home energy assessments with complimentary efficiency products, increased home improvement rebates through Smart $aver®, and higher bill credits for Power Manager® and EnergyWise Home® participants. Business customers will benefit from 20-25% higher efficiency program incentives and increased PowerShare® capacity credits from $3.50 to $5 per kW.

Spire Inc. (NYSE: SR) has announced a significant acquisition agreement with Duke Energy's Piedmont Natural Gas, purchasing its Tennessee operations for $2.48 billion. The transaction, expected to close in Q1 2026, represents a 1.5x multiple of estimated 2026 rate base.

The acquisition will add over 200,000 customers in the Nashville area and nearly 3,800 miles of distribution and transmission pipelines to Spire's portfolio. This expansion will increase Spire's utility customer base to nearly two million homes and businesses, complementing its existing operations in Missouri, Alabama, and Mississippi.

The deal will be financed through a mix of debt, equity, and hybrid securities, supported by a bridge facility from BMO Capital Markets Corp. Spire expects the acquisition to be accretive to adjusted earnings and support its long-term 5-7% adjusted EPS growth target.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) has announced the sale of its Piedmont Natural Gas Tennessee business to Spire Inc. for $2.48 billion in cash. The transaction, expected to close in Q1 2026, represents a 1.8x multiple of 2024 rate base and a 24x multiple of 2024 earnings. The sale includes nearly 3,800 miles of pipelines and a liquefied natural gas facility serving 205,000 customers.

Of the proceeds, $800 million will offset Piedmont Natural Gas debt, while the remaining $1.5 billion will help fund Duke Energy's $83 billion five-year capital plan. The company plans to utilize existing tax credits to offset most cash taxes from the transaction. Current employees supporting the Tennessee business will transition to Spire to maintain operational continuity.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) has released energy-saving tips and assistance programs for customers facing triple-digit temperatures in the Carolinas. The company's recommendations include setting thermostats to higher comfortable temperatures, using cold water for laundry, and running heat-producing appliances during cooler morning hours.

The utility provider offers several assistance programs including free home energy assessments, Smart $aver rebates for equipment upgrades, and bill credits through Power Manager® and EnergyWise® Home programs. Duke Energy also provides payment assistance through various initiatives, including the Share the Light Fund® and a new Payment Assistance Finder tool.