Duke Energy urges North Carolina and South Carolina customers to reduce electric usage

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy (DUK) has issued an urgent request for customers in North and South Carolina to reduce their electricity consumption during peak hours (3-8 p.m.) on June 23, 2025, due to high temperatures straining the power grid. The company provided several recommendations to help minimize energy usage, including adjusting thermostats to higher temperatures, postponing laundry, avoiding electric range/oven use, and turning off unnecessary appliances. Duke Energy, serving 8.6 million electric customers across six states, emphasizes that customer cooperation is crucial for maintaining grid stability and preventing potential isolated power outages. The company is actively managing power supplies while implementing ambitious energy transition plans, including grid upgrades and investment in cleaner generation sources.

Positive

• Duke Energy is proactively managing grid stability to prevent widespread outages
• Company demonstrates strong customer communication and preventive measures
• Long-term investment in grid upgrades and cleaner energy sources shows strategic planning

Negative

• Risk of potential isolated power outages during peak demand
• Grid strain indicates possible capacity limitations during extreme weather
• Temporary service disruption potential for customers during peak hours

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As high temperatures increase, Duke Energy is urging customers in the Carolinas to reduce their energy use during periods of peak demand today, June 23 from 3-8 p.m. to help lessen the energy demand on the power grid and reduce the potential of isolated power outages.

As we continue to manage available power supplies, protect the grid and maintain normal operations, here are some simple ways customers can help:

• At home, raise the temperature to the highest comfortable setting. Keep in mind: Your system will run longer the hotter it is outside – even if your thermostat setting never changes. Postpone laundry until later in the evening or tomorrow morning.
• Avoid prolonged use of your electric range/oven, which can heat up the house, making your AC work harder, using more energy.
• Avoid using appliances such as washing machines, dryers and dishwashers during the high-demand hours noted above.
• Consider grilling outdoors to keep indoor temperatures lower and reduce energy use from electric stovetops and ovens.
• Turn off any unnecessary appliances, unused plug-ins and lights.

"We deeply appreciate our customers' cooperation, patience and understanding as we work to help ensure the stability and reliability of the system," said Ben Harrison, Duke Energy vice president of grid operations – planning and operations. "We understand that reducing electricity use during these hours can be inconvenient, but our customers' actions make a significant difference for all."

Duke Energy 

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. 

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage. 

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition. 

24-Hour: 800.559.3853

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SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

What is Duke Energy (DUK) asking customers to do on June 23, 2025?

Duke Energy is asking customers in North and South Carolina to reduce electricity usage during peak hours from 3-8 p.m. on June 23, 2025, to help maintain grid stability.

What specific measures is Duke Energy recommending to reduce power usage?

Duke Energy recommends raising thermostat temperatures, postponing laundry, avoiding electric range/oven use during peak hours, and turning off unnecessary appliances and lights.

How many customers does Duke Energy (DUK) serve across its markets?

Duke Energy serves 8.6 million electric customers across six states (North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky) and 1.7 million natural gas customers.

What is causing Duke Energy's request for reduced power usage?

High temperatures are increasing energy demand on the power grid, potentially straining the system and risking isolated power outages.

What long-term solutions is Duke Energy implementing to address power grid challenges?

Duke Energy is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables, and energy storage solutions.