Duke Energy Breaks Summer Electricity Usage Record Amid Heat Wave Challenges
- Duke Energy set a record of 35,269 MWh in summer electricity usage on June 24, 2025, during a heat wave.
- The company emphasizes energy conservation and provides tips to help customers manage their electricity bills during peak periods.
- Duke Energy plans to enhance its energy infrastructure with solar expansions and new natural gas plants over the next five years.
Duke Energy Sets New Record for Summer Electricity Usage Amidst Heat Wave
Duke Energy achieves a significant milestone as it records an unprecedented 35,269 megawatt-hours (MWh) of combined utility summer electricity usage on June 24, 2025. This peak consumption occurs during a severe heat wave characterized by triple-digit temperatures across North Carolina and South Carolina. The record surpasses the previous summer peak of 34,439 MWh, set on July 9, 2024, and highlights the increasing demand for electricity during extreme weather conditions. This surge in usage not only reflects the growing reliance on electric power but also underscores the challenges faced by utility companies in managing energy supply during peak periods.
As the demand for electricity escalates, Duke Energy's vice president of grid operations, Ben Harrison, expresses appreciation for the company's customers who actively conserve energy during these critical times. Such conservation efforts play a vital role in balancing the high energy needs of the community. To effectively respond to this demand, Duke Energy employs a diverse energy mix, incorporating nuclear, natural gas, hydro, renewables, and coal. Furthermore, the company is committed to enhancing its energy infrastructure by planning expansions in solar and energy storage capabilities, as well as investing in new natural gas plants over the next five years. This multifaceted approach aims to ensure a reliable energy supply while accommodating the growing consumption patterns.
In addition to bolstering its energy production capabilities, Duke Energy proactively assists its customers in managing their electricity bills during peak usage periods. The company provides practical energy-saving tips to help customers reduce their consumption, such as raising thermostat settings, utilizing cooler water for laundry, and scheduling appliance use during cooler hours. Notably, between June 23 and June 24, over 521,000 customers participate in Duke Energy's demand response programs, demonstrating a strong community commitment to energy efficiency. Duke Energy continues to emphasize the importance of small, everyday adjustments to energy use, particularly during high-temperature spells, to promote both savings for customers and sustainability for the environment.
Duke Energy also offers free home energy assessments and personalized usage reports to empower customers in optimizing their energy consumption. By encouraging ongoing energy efficiency practices, the company not only enhances customer savings but also contributes to the overall stability of the energy grid during times of increased demand. This strategic focus on customer engagement and energy conservation positions Duke Energy as a leader in the utility sector, committed to meeting the challenges posed by climate change and growing energy requirements.