Duke Energy has expressed gratitude to its customers for their efforts in conserving energy during a recent heat wave that hit parts of North Carolina and South Carolina. The company reported a new summertime record for electricity usage, reaching 35,269 megawatt-hours on June 24, 2025. This surpasses the previous summer peak of 34,439 megawatt-hours set on July 9, 2024.
Ben Harrison, Duke Energy’s vice president of grid operations – planning and operations, acknowledged the inconvenience faced by customers who reduced their electricity use during peak demand periods. “We appreciate our customers’ support this week to reduce their electricity use during the hottest parts of the day,” he said. He also thanked the crews and operators who managed through the high-demand event.
The company relies on a diverse energy mix including nuclear, natural gas, hydroelectric power, renewables, and coal to meet growing energy demands. Duke Energy plans to continue expanding solar energy and storage capabilities while developing new natural gas plants over the next five years.
To help customers manage energy use and avoid unexpected bills as temperatures rise, Duke Energy provided several tips: setting thermostats to higher comfortable settings, using cooler water for laundry, running heat-producing appliances in cooler hours, closing curtains against sunlight, and operating ceiling fans counterclockwise.
During June 23-24 alone, more than 521,000 Carolinas customers participated in demand response programs aiding Duke Energy in managing peak loads.
The company offers various savings programs like free home energy assessments and rebates for equipment upgrades through its Smart $aver program. Customers can also receive bill credits by shifting energy use through programs like Power Manager or EnergyWise Home.
For those needing payment flexibility or assistance due to financial constraints, installment payment plans are available along with resources from local agencies such as Share the Light Fund and Low Income Home Energy Assistance programs.
Duke Energy is one of America’s largest energy holding companies with electric utilities serving millions across several states. It continues investing in grid upgrades and cleaner generation technologies aiming for a smarter future while maintaining customer reliability.
More information about saving on summer energy costs can be found at duke-energy.com/SummerSavings or by visiting Duke Energy’s website for further details on their initiatives.
