Floridians are expected to face higher electricity bills following last week’s cold weather, according to Duke Energy Florida. The company says that colder temperatures led to increased energy use as heating systems worked harder.
Despite the anticipated rise in usage-related costs, Duke Energy notes that overall rates are decreasing. Residential customers who use 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity will see a $33 reduction on their February bills compared to January, with another $11 decrease set for March.
Duke Energy is also warning about an expected increase in scam attempts targeting customers. In February 2025, nearly 800 scam reports were received after a similar cold snap, and the company anticipates a comparable trend this month. Customers are advised to remain vigilant and learn how to identify common scams.
To assist those facing difficulties paying their bills, Duke Energy is offering several resources. Customers can request installment plans or due date extensions, utilize the payment assistance finder, and access programs such as the Share the Light Fund. The company also provides free home energy assessments and rebates for improvement projects aimed at helping customers reduce their long-term energy consumption.
Duke Energy encourages anyone targeted by scams to report incidents to law enforcement, the company itself, and the Better Business Bureau.
“Duke Energy has a dedicated team ready to provide our customers with the individualized support they need,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “It’s my hope they will come directly to us so we can help them get back on track as quickly as possible and avoid opportunistic, increasingly sophisticated scams.”
Duke Energy Florida supplies electricity to approximately 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida. Its parent company Duke Energy, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, serves 8.4 million electric utility customers across six states and owns more than 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. The company is investing in grid upgrades and cleaner generation sources as part of its broader transition toward a smarter energy future.
More information can be found at duke-energy.com and through the Duke Energy News Center.
