Duke Energy Corporation reports developments tied to one of the largest regulated utility platforms in the United States. The company operates electric utilities serving customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and natural gas utilities in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky.
Recurring news themes include quarterly financial results, common and preferred stock dividends, electric grid modernization, generation investments, customer cost initiatives, and regulatory approvals affecting power plants and utility service. Company updates also cover nuclear generation, natural gas and other resource additions, federal and state regulatory matters, and Duke Energy Foundation community programs in the utility territories it serves.
Duke Energy (DUK) declared a quarterly common-stock cash dividend of $1.085 per share, payable on Dec. 16, 2026. It also declared a quarterly Series A preferred-stock dividend of $359.375 per share, equivalent to $0.359375 per depositary share. Both dividends are payable to shareholders of record at the close of business on Nov. 13, 2026. Duke Energy has paid a cash dividend on its common stock for 100 consecutive years.
Duke Energy (DUK) and the Duke Energy Foundation awarded $326,500 to organizations supporting workforce development and business growth across Florida. The 27 recipients include nonprofits and government entities. The funds will support efforts to promote careers in emerging industries, attract companies and make it easier to do business in the state.
Allocations total $35,000 statewide, $104,000 in North Florida, $67,500 in Central Florida and $120,000 in the Greater Tampa Bay Area. Projects include updating Wakulla County's 2022 economic development plan to address workforce needs and explore agricultural technology and aquaculture opportunities. Other grants will support an interactive online tool presenting Orlando's economic strengths to potential investors and an analysis of entrepreneurship and business development efforts in Pasco County.
Duke Energy Foundation, funded by Duke Energy (DUK) shareholders, is awarding $100,000 to three Florida nonprofits.
The Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County will receive $25,000 for year-round leadership development, career readiness and community engagement programs. The funding will also support youth recognition, arts and culture initiatives, and tools for community leaders during emergencies and severe weather. The Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando will receive $25,000 to expand its Next Gen Workforce Leadership Academy for Central Florida college students, including mentorship, financial literacy and exposure to employers.
Prospera Initiatives will receive $50,000 for educational programs, technical assistance and financial tools for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, with a focus on Greater Orlando and Tampa Bay. The foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support.
Duke Energy (DUK) appointed Joyce Mullen to its board of directors, effective Sept. 28, 2026. She will serve on the Audit Committee and the Operations and Nuclear Oversight Committee.
Mullen retired as president and CEO of Insight Enterprises in April 2026. She continues to advise its leadership as executive vice president of strategic development.
Duke Energy (DUK) and the Tampa Bay Rays have directed $93,000 to Duke Energy Florida's Share the Light Fund to help income-restricted customers pay energy bills in Florida. The Duke Energy Foundation donated $1,000 per Rays win, presenting the total to 14 social service agencies serving communities across the state on Sept. 18, 2026.
The Share the Light Fund supports eligible Duke Energy customers with utility expenses and is funded by customers, employees, retirees and shareholders, with the Foundation matching donations up to $500,000 annually. Partner agencies received nearly $650,000 in 2025 and more than $436,000 from January through August 2026 through the program.
Duke Energy (DUK) is asking customers in North Carolina and South Carolina to voluntarily reduce electricity use from 2–8 p.m. on Sept. 18, 2026, as unusually hot weather drives peak demand on the regional power grid.
The company urges customers to raise thermostats to the highest comfortable setting, avoid using major appliances such as washing machines, dryers and dishwashers, and limit use of electric ranges and ovens during this period. Electric vehicle owners are asked to shift charging to overnight hours when demand is lower. Duke Energy leaders in both states said that above‑average heat is putting pressure on the system and that small customer actions during late afternoon and early evening can help reduce grid strain and support reliable service.
Duke Energy reports serving approximately 3.9 million electric customers in North Carolina and more than 870,000 in South Carolina, as part of its broader 8.7 million‑customer electric utility footprint across six states.
Duke Energy (DUK) received the Edison Electric Institute Emergency Recovery Award for its response to Winter Storm Fern in the Carolinas in January 2026.
The company mobilized more than 15,000 lineworkers, vegetation workers and damage assessors to restore service after freezing rain, sleet and snow affected the region. Crews restored power to nearly 200,000 customers, with 95% back within 24 hours and all customers restored within 48 hours. Self-healing grid technology helped avoid nearly 27,000 additional outages and saved customers almost 150,000 hours of total outage time, contributing to the award recognition.
Duke Energy (DUK) has asked the Florida Public Service Commission to approve lower customer electric rates starting in January 2027 compared with December 2026 bills.
Typical residential customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month are expected to see a $0.71 bill decrease. Commercial and industrial customers are projected to see reductions between 0.8% and 3.6%, with actual impact varying by usage and other factors.
The company cites lower fuel costs and an innovative tax strategy that avoids a previously planned 2% base rate increase and accelerates $50 million in customer savings for 2027. Ongoing investments in renewable energy, grid-strengthening infrastructure and energy efficiency programs are also highlighted.
Duke Energy (DUK) is reminding Duke Energy Ohio & Kentucky customers about tools and assistance programs as extreme heat returns to Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky in early September 2026. Forecast highs in the mid-to-upper 90s, more than 10 to 15 degrees above normal, are expected to drive higher electricity use.
Customers can sign up for usage alerts that provide mid-cycle energy use updates and projected bill estimates, allowing time to adjust consumption. Duke Energy highlights low- or no-cost tips such as raising thermostats to the highest comfortable setting, using cool water for laundry, shifting oven use to cooler hours, closing blinds on sunny days and running ceiling fans counterclockwise.
For those needing help paying bills, available options include a Payment Assistance Finder, installment payment plans, the Pick Your Due Date tool and due date extensions. Additional information and summer energy resources are available on Duke Energy's Summer Energy Solutions webpage.
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) is alerting customers in the Carolinas to a return of hot weather, with National Weather Service forecasts calling for mid‑to‑upper 90s and heat indices of 100‑105 degrees, roughly 10 degrees above normal for early September.
The company explains that higher outdoor temperatures widen the gap between indoor thermostat settings and outdoor heat, causing air conditioners to run longer and increase energy use even when thermostats do not change. Duke Energy highlights free tools such as Bill Insights, Usage Alerts and My Home Energy Report, as well as home energy assessments, demand‑response bill credits up to $246, time‑based rates, Budget Billing, Pick Your Due Date and a Payment Assistance Finder to help customers manage costs and access support.