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Duke Energy Florida Is Prepared For Hurricane Season With Stronger Infrastructure, Smarter Tools
While the 2025 hurricane season began on June 1, Duke Energy Florida has been preparing year-round, strengthening the company’s infrastructure and employing smart tools to help prevent power outages and allow for quicker restoration for its 2 million customers. “I’m extremely proud of how we’ve responded to storms in the past, but we’re determined to keep getting better,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “We’ve been working, and will continue working every single day, to harden
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This Summer, Duke Energy Foundation Brings Together Customers And Communities To Help With Energy Bills
As rising temperatures drive up energy use, Duke Energy Foundation is helping connect families in need to available assistance. Duke Energy Foundation is contributing an additional $400,000 to the Share the Light Fund® to help customers facing financial hardship this summer – supporting agencies that connect people with utility assistance. By the numbers: As extreme summer temperatures rise, Duke Energy Foundation is committing $400,000 across six states to help individuals and families keep their lights
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Duke Energy Thanks Customers For Help Managing The Power Grid Through Hot Temperatures
As summer’s first heat wave brought triple-digit temperatures to parts of North Carolina and South Carolina this week, Duke Energy thanks customers for conserving energy during periods of peak demand. “We appreciate our customers’ support this week to reduce their electricity use during the hottest parts of the day,” said Ben Harrison, Duke Energy vice president of grid operations – planning and operations. “We understand it can be inconvenient, but those actions made a significant difference for all. I
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Duke Energy Offers Tips To Save Energy And Money As Temperatures Rise In Florida
With weather forecasters predicting high temperatures across Florida this week – particularly in the Panhandle – Duke Energy has tips to help you take control of your energy use while keeping you and your family cool. Tips to save energy and moneySet your thermostat to the highest comfortable setting. Even a couple of degrees can help save energy and money. Keep in mind: Your system will run longer – using more energy – the hotter it is outside even if your thermostat setting never changes.Use cooler
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Duke Energy Makes Key Appointments To Leadership Of Federal Affairs, Policy, Sustainability And Philanthropy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) today announced the promotions of Pepper Natonski to senior vice president, federal affairs, policy and sustainability and Tom Craig to vice president, federal affairs, effective July 1. “Duke Energy is executing an ambitious strategy to serve the growing needs of our customers and communities,” said Louis Renjel, executive vice president and chief corporate affairs officer. “This is a pivotal moment for our federal engagement, and we are fortunate to have an exceptional team in
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Duke Energy Expands Home Improvement Rebate Program To Help Florida Customers Save Energy And Money
Summer means higher electric use and often higher energy bills. Duke Energy is encouraging customers to take advantage of the expanded Home Energy Improvement rebate program to enhance your home’s energy efficiency and lower your bill. Through the program, eligible customers can complete a free Home Energy Check online, by phone or in person, where they will receive a report detailing their home’s past and current energy usage, as well as expert recommendations for improvements that will increase their
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Storm Season Prep: Duke Energy Foundation Powers Emergency Response With $1.5 Million In Grants
As communities across the country prepare for another active storm season, Duke Energy Foundation is committing $1.5 million through the 2025 Helping Emergency Response Organizations (HERO) grant program to help boost community readiness and resilience. The funding includes support for local agencies across Duke Energy’s service territories and a continued partnership with the American Red Cross. What's happening: As extreme weather events grow more frequent and intense, Duke Energy Foundation is
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Duke Energy Supports First Responders With $500,000 In Grants For Emergency Preparedness In South Carolina
As hurricane season begins, community leaders, emergency managers and first responders turn their eyes to the tropics as they continue to prepare their communities for the possibility of impacts from severe weather. Duke Energy is preparing, too. What's happening: Duke Energy Foundation is awarding $500,000 through the 2025 Helping Emergency Response Organizations (HERO) Grant Program to support severe weather emergency preparedness across South Carolina. Where the money is going: More than three dozen
Kids House Wayne Densch Children's Advocacy Center Held Successful 16th Annual Gala - An Evening In Paris
Kids House Wayne Densch Advocacy Center transported guests to Paris, France for its 16th Annual Gala on Saturday, April 26. The elegant evening brought together community members to raise critical funds in support of the Kids House mission to provide hope and healing for children and families in Seminole County. We are proud to announce that we raised $382,000.00 and are grateful for the attendees who rallied together to support our biggest night of the year. The Parisian-themed event dazzled attendees
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Duke Energy Foundation, City Of New Port Richey Team Up For Summer Swim Safety
In recognition of the May 15 designation as International Water Safety Day, Duke Energy Foundation announces a grant to the City of New Port Richey for swim lessons and summer camp scholarships. “Safety is central to how we operate at Duke Energy. Providing water safety education through swim lessons is a fun but important way to keep children in our community safe this summer,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “We thank the City of New Port Richey for providing programming to
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Duke Energy Spotlights Work Of Florida Economic Development Team In Bringing New Jobs, Capital Investment to the State During National Economic Development Week
In honor of National Economic Development Week, May 12-16, Duke Energy is highlighting the importance of its economic development program and the contributions made to Florida’s local economy throughout the years. “Our Economic Development team has helped strengthen the communities we serve through their local knowledge and dedication to Florida’s success,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “Duke Energy is committed to creating economically vibrant communities and we look forward
The Sharing Center Names Tekoa Pouerie New President and CEO
After a thoughtful nationwide search under the direction of a dedicated search committee of local business, community, and nonprofit leaders, The Sharing Center in Longwood is proud to introduce Tekoa Pouerie as its next President and CEO. Tekoa brings nearly 20 years of executive nonprofit leadership to The Sharing Center, which is Seminole County's largest and most comprehensive social services hub, and she will guide the organization into an exciting new chapter with the development of The Sharing
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Duke Energy Announces Key Leadership Appointments
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) today announced a series of leadership appointments to further advance the company’s strategy and ensure it is best positioned to meet the growing energy needs across its service territory. The appointments follow the planned retirement of Julie Janson, who has served the company in various roles for nearly four decades, most recently as executive vice president and chief executive officer of Duke Energy Carolinas, and head of its Natural Gas Business Unit. Janson will retire from
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Duke Energy Prepares For Record Load Growth While Delivering Value To Stakeholders And Customers, CEO Tells Shareholders At Annual Meeting
In 2024, Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) continued to make meaningful progress on its energy modernization strategy, investing in new infrastructure and collaborating with stakeholders to achieve constructive outcomes across its jurisdictions, President and Chief Executive Officer Harry Sideris told investors during the company’s annual shareholder meeting today. “The path forward is clear as we navigate this decade of record infrastructure build and load growth,” he said. “We remain focused on delivering
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Duke Energy Florida’s Tree Care Practices Prevent Outages, Earn 19th Consecutive Year Of National Recognition
The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Duke Energy Florida for its tree care practices by naming the company a “Tree Line USA” utility for the 19th year in a row. Duke Energy achieved Tree Line USA status by meeting certain criteria such as following industry standards for quality tree care, including proper pruning, annually training employees and contractors in best practices, sponsoring tree plantings and public education programs, and participating in annual Arbor Day events. One such event is Duke
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Duke Energy And GE Vernova Announce Significant Arrangement For Gas Turbines And Associated Equipmen
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) and GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV) announce a significant partnership for natural gas turbines and other associated equipment to meet the growing needs of advanced manufacturing, data centers and population growth. The arrangement between the companies includes a plan to advance specific projects for up to 11 7HA gas turbines consistent with Duke Energy’s integrated resource plans. This will help the company meet its business strategy to provide reliable energy and keep customer costs as
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Guardians of the grid: Duke Energy celebrates National Lineworker Appreciation Day April 18
On April 18, Duke Energy celebrates National Lineworker Appreciation Day – a day to recognize the service, commitment and sacrifices of lineworkers, team members who are critical to ensuring customers have access to safe and reliable electricity. Why it matters: Lineworkers provide an invaluable service to communities. Among the first to respond after storms to help ensure public safety, they frequently work in challenging conditions including extreme weather and heights to restore power and keep the
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Duke Energy Foundation Fights Food Insecurity In Florida With $125,000 In Donations
Today, the Duke Energy Foundation announced $125,000 in grant funding to nonprofit organizations that help get food on the table for those in need. These contributions add to last fall’s $100,000 donation to Feeding Florida in response to hurricanes Helene and Milton. “Duke Energy Florida is proud to support local nonprofits dedicated to providing food and fighting hunger on behalf of Floridians during difficult times,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “Together, with these
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Harry Sideris Steps Into CEO Role Leading Duke Energy, Joins Board Of Directors
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) today announced Harry Sideris has assumed the role of chief executive officer and has joined the company’s board of directors. His appointment was part of a planned transition announced earlier this year. Sideris has served as president since April 2024 and will retain that role. He succeeds Lynn Good, who is retiring from Duke Energy after more than two decades of exceptional dedication and leadership, including nearly 12 years as CEO. "I am honored to step into this role at
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On Tampa Bay Rays Opening Day, Duke Energy Pledges Funds For Florida Customers Facing Financial Hardships
Duke Energy marks Opening Day of the Tampa Bay Rays baseball season with additional commitments to Floridians. The company and its foundation will donate $1,000 to its Share the Light Fund for every Rays regular-season game win, providing financial support to Florida customers. “Duke Energy Florida is proud to serve each of our 2 million customers each day. During life’s challenging times we remain committed, which can be seen through the availability of our assistance programs,” said Melissa Seixas,
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Duke Energy Florida And Its Foundation Continue Their Commitment To Affordable Housing With $75,000
Today, Duke Energy Florida and its foundation announce $75,000 in grant funding to several Habitat for Humanity organizations in Florida. This brings the five-year total investment in affordable housing initiatives in the state to more than $200,000. “Habitat for Humanity builds homes, communities and hope,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “Supporting nonprofit organizations like Habit for Humanity allows the company to improve the vitality of the communities we serve while
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New Duke Energy Programs Offer Florida Customers More Choices Related To Electric Vehicles
Today, Duke Energy Florida announced the launch of three new programs – the Charger Prep Credit, Off-Peak Charging Credit and Fleet Advisory programs – to offer both residential and business customers more choices related to electric vehicles (EVs). “Not only do EVs help save on fuel and maintenance costs for drivers, but they have significant economic and environmental benefits as well,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “Our goal with these programs and the various incentives
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Duke Energy Florida Highlights Program Rewarding Customers For Reducing Strain On Electric System During Periods Of High Demand
With the summer months and sweltering temperatures quickly approaching, Duke Energy Florida is highlighting EnergyWise Home, a voluntary program that rewards customers with up to $141 in annual bill credits for enrolling select appliances – central air conditioning units, electric water heaters and/or pool pumps – and allowing the company to temporarily cycle those appliances off during periods of high electricity demand. Participation in the EnergyWise Home program helps maintain steady rates for all
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Duke Energy Florida Files Plans For Four New Solar Energy Sites, Adding Nearly 300 Megawatts Of Energy To The Electric Grid
Today, Duke Energy Florida submitted its 2025 Solar Base Rate Adjustment (SoBRA) filing to the Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC), outlining plans for four solar energy sites the company is pursuing this year in order to deliver on its commitment to continue providing reliable, affordable and increasingly clean energy for its customers. In accordance with Duke Energy Florida’s settlement agreement – which was approved by the FPSC in August 2024 – the company is investing over $521 million to
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Duke Energy Florida Announces Micanopy Battery Facility Now Capable Of Providing Backup Power During Storms
Today, Duke Energy Florida announced the company’s large-scale battery facility in the Alachua County town of Micanopy is now capable of providing backup power to the local community, including homes, businesses, schools, public safety buildings and more, when it is needed most – during storms. The 8.25-megawatt lithium-based battery facility in Micanopy is the first site in Duke Energy Florida’s portfolio that is able to automatically disconnect from the electric grid during storms and supply power to
UCF Launches Bold Faculty Hiring Initiative to Meet Growing Demand for Engineers, Computer Scientist
UCF is intensifying its commitment to addressing the rising demand for skilled engineers and computer scientists. Recognized as Florida’s Premier Engineering and Technology University, UCF has launched an ambitious faculty hiring initiative to solidify its role as a leader in education, research and innovation. In 2025, UCF plans to hire up to 36 engineering and computer science faculty members in fields critical to Florida’s economic growth, including artificial intelligence (AI), aerospace, energy,
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Duke Energy Names Katherine Neebe As Chief Communications Officer
Duke Energy announced today it has appointed Katherine Neebe, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer, as chief communications officer (CCO), effective Feb. 24. Neebe succeeds Oscar Suris, senior vice president and CCO, who will become a senior advisor. “Katherine has demonstrated a deep appreciation for the critical role that clear, timely communications play in fostering trust among our stakeholders,” said Louis Renjel, executive vice president and chief corporate affairs officer. “She
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Duke Energy Florida Offers Free Home And Business Energy Assessments, Money-Saving Rebate Programs
Following colder-than-usual winter weather in the Sunshine State, Duke Energy Florida is encouraging customers to complete a free Home Energy Check (for residential customers) or Business Energy Check (for commercial customers), allowing them to reevaluate their energy goals and take advantage of available rebate programs that can save them money in the short term and continue reducing their electric bills for years to come. “Duke Energy Florida understands that extreme weather can drive up electric
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Duke Energy Florida Celebrates Engineers Week, Highlights Importance Of Training New Power Grid Dispatchers
Duke Energy Florida is celebrating Engineers Week – recognized as Sunday, Feb. 16, through Saturday, Feb. 22 – by highlighting the work of power grid dispatchers and the importance of training new engineers and technical workers to serve as the “eyes in the sky” of the grid that delivers power to more than 2 million customers across the company’s 35-county service territory. “Not only are power grid dispatchers responsible for keeping our line crews safe – making life-critical decisions all day, every
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Duke Energy Florida shares various resources to help customers manage increased energy usage in January
Duke Energy Florida is sharing various resources to help customers manage their increased energy usage in January, when extreme winter weather swept across the state, which may have resulted in some receiving higher-than-average electric bills. “While Duke Energy Florida lowered rates by nearly $10 in January, our customers are less likely to notice that change because freezing temperatures forced their heating systems to work overtime, driving up their energy usage and, in turn, their electric bills,”
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Fortune Recognizes Duke Energy As One Of The World’s Most Admired Companies
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) has been recognized by Fortune magazine as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies for 2025. This is the eighth consecutive year the company has made the list, ranking as one of the top four gas and electric utilities for the fourth year in a row. “Delivering safe, reliable and affordable energy to our customers and communities is at the core of everything we do,” said Lynn Good, Duke Energy’s chair and CEO. “Being recognized by our industry peers, directors and analysts in
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To Accelerate The Exploration Of New Nuclear Technologies, Duke Energy Joins Industry Group Vying For Doe Grant
Duke Energy today announced its participation in a multi-joint public-private application for the Department of Energy’s (DOE) U.S. Gen III+ small modular reactor (SMR) technology grant. If awarded by the DOE, the grant, which is being led by Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), will support Duke Energy’s new nuclear strategy by joining with other utilities and technology providers to more cost effectively advance a standard technology design and license, while learning best practices from others in the
Duke Energy’s Tree Giveaway Encourages Floridians To Plant The Right Tree In The Right Place To Keep The Power Flowing
Following a devastating hurricane season, Duke Energy Florida is giving away 1,000 free trees to its customers as part of its ongoing collaboration with the Arbor Day Foundation. On Friday, Jan. 17, which is also Florida Arbor Day, Duke Energy Florida customers can request a free tree online starting at 9 a.m. at arborday.org/dukeenergy, while supplies last. The 1-gallon trees are shipped directly to customers’ homes with planting and care instructions and are expected to be delivered in time for
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Duke Energy Board of Directors Appoints Harry Sideris as President and Chief Executive Officer, Effective April 1; Succeeds Lynn Good, Who Retires as Chair and CEO
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) today announced that its board of directors has appointed Harry Sideris, president and chief executive officer and a member of the board of directors, effective April 1, 2025. Sideris, currently president, will succeed Lynn Good, who will retire from her management and board roles at the company on April 1 after more than two decades of distinguished service. Lead independent director Ted Craver will become independent chair of the Duke Energy Board of Directors, also effective
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Duke Energy Foundation Donates $350,000 To Community Organizations Assisting In Hurricane Milton Relief
Today, the Duke Energy Foundation announced an additional $350,000 to Florida nonprofit organizations as part of its ongoing response to Hurricane Milton, disaster preparedness and relief. It has been more than a month since Milton made landfall as a major Category 3 storm on Oct. 9, and the company remains committed to communities as they rebuild. “This has been a devastating hurricane season for so many Floridians,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “We are walking side by side
City of Altamonte Springs - Hurricane Milton - Update 3
Thursday, October 10 – The City of Altamonte Springs continues to assess and respond to the effects of Hurricane Milton and has issued the following update.City OpeningsThe City Library will reopen to provide access to charging facilities for electronics, computers and WiFi for individuals affected by power outages. Additionally, the library will offer a cool environment with air conditioning and continue regular library services. The library will observe the following hours throughout the weekend:Friday,
EMERGENCY INFORMATION & COMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR HURRICANE MILTON
At a press conference held Tuesday, October 7 at 1:30pm, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer declared a State of Emergency in the City of Orlando. The city’s Emergency Operations Center will move to a Level 2 Activation on Tuesday, October 8, at 10am and expects to move to a Level 1 Full Activation on Wednesday, October 9 at 12pm. City and County Emergency Information: City of OrlandoOrange CountySeminole CountyLake CountyOsceola County Other Local Resources: Orlando-based Rosen Hotel brand is offering
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Duke Energy Florida increases resource count to 16,000; encourages customers to take appropriate safety measures prior to Hurricane Milton’s landfall
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Duke Energy Florida continues to prepare for Hurricane Milton, increasing its resource count from 10,000 to 16,000. The company also encourages its 2 million customers across the state to take the appropriate safety measures prior to the storm’s landfall. "Hurricane Milton’s intensity is expected to be unlike anything the Tampa Bay area has ever experienced before," said Todd Fountain, Duke Energy Florida storm director. “Duke Energy Florida is preparing to respond accordingly
City of Altamonte Spring Press Release - Hurricane Milton - Update 1
Monday, October 7 - Due to Hurricane Milton, the City of Altamonte Springs is preparing facilities, parks and neighborhoods for severe weather. All City offices, parks and facilities will close starting Tuesday, October 8 at 12 p.m. The City will provide additional updates about closures and cancellations once the storm has safely passed and parks and facilities have been inspected for safe use. Trash Collection UpdateThe City WILL run normal trash collection routes on Tuesday, October 8 to pick up
It's Time to Be Educated - Tickets on Sale Now for Seminole County State of Our Schools
As you know from being a part of the Seminole County community, the quality of our schools is a tremendous driver for economic development. When companies look to expand, move or open, one of the key things that is reviewed is the quality of the schools. And when people are hired throughout the region, they choose to live in Seminole County because of our schools. For the first time, Seminole County Chamber and Seminole County Public Schools are partnering to bring you the State of Our
