Is your Duke Energy bill killing you? Some good news is on the way

Duke Energy Florida has announced a rate reduction in 2026 as a result of the company’s annual rate adjustment.

Beginning in March 2026, residential customers’ bills are expected to decrease by about $44.16 using 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity compared to February 2026.

This adjustment includes Duke Energy Florida’s annual fuel, capacity, energy conservation, storm protection plan and environmental compliance clause costs.

This reduction is largely because of the removal of the Storm Cost Recovery charge associated with Duke Energy Florida’s response to hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton.

Commercial and industrial customers should expect to see bill decreases ranging from 9.6% to 15.8% when compared to February 2026. However, specific impact will vary depending on several factors.

Approval from the Florida Public Service Commission is anticipated later this year.

However, before the rates go down, Duke officials said they will rise in the first two months of 2026. Rates are expected to increase by $7.54 for typical residential customers using 1,000 kWh of electricity when compared to December 2025. Commercial and industrial customers should expect to see bill increases ranging from 4.3% to 8.2% when compared to December 2025. However, the specific impact will vary depending on several factors.

Duke officials said electric rates can fluctuate during the year based on fuel prices and storm-related costs.

“Duke Energy Florida understands our customers face financial challenges, often making difficult decisions regarding which bill they can afford to pay,” Duke Energy Florida President Melissa Seixas said. “That’s why keeping costs low remains a priority for us, and we’ll continue connecting them with assistance programs and tools to help them save.”