Duke Energy announces early removal of customers’ storm-related charges

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla – Duke Energy announced Wednesday it is dropping storm recovery charges for customers a month earlier than originally scheduled.

The utility company said storm cost recovery charges were results of costs associated with the company’s approximately $1.1 billion response to hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton.

Residential customers can expect an approximately $33 reduction on their monthly bills, when compared to January, for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity they use.

Commercial and industrial customers’ monthly bills will be lowered between 9.6% and 15.8%, also when compared to January, though the specific impact will vary depending on several factors.

“We understand all of our customers have been affected by the rising costs of living, many may be facing financial challenges, and some are even having to decide which bills they can afford to pay every month,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “It was important to us that our customers get this significant rate relief as soon as possible while we continue to deliver the safe, reliable power they expect and deserve.”

Duke officials also said additional savings are on the way.

In March, residential customers will experience another approximately $11 decrease (per 1,000 kWh) on their monthly bills, creating a total $44 decrease.  

Duke Energy Florida supplies electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across 13,000-square miles in west central Florida, including Orlando, St. Peterburg and Clearwater.