Duke Energy Florida Customers to See Lower Bills in March 2026
Starting next spring, electricity will get a little cheaper for Duke Energy customers in Florida.The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved Duke Energy Florida’s proposal to lower customer bills beginning in March 2026, cutting the average residential cost by about $44 per 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity compared with February rates.
The decrease follows a period of volatility tied to severe weather and fuel recovery costs. According to the company, the reduction stems largely from the removal of a temporary storm cost recovery charge used to pay for hurricane restoration efforts in 2025.
“We understand the challenges our customers—often our neighbors—face in providing for themselves and their families,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “We hope this bill reduction helps ease their financial burden, while we continue providing the reliable power they depend on every day.”
The change marks a notable shift from early 2026, when customers will see a short-term increase of $7.54 on typical residential bills for January and February as the storm charge remains in effect. That temporary bump will give way to the March reduction once the charge expires.
Commercial and industrial customers will also benefit, with bill decreases ranging from 9.6% to 15.8% compared to February levels. The exact reduction will vary based on usage and rate class, but the overall trend points toward relief after months of cost recovery tied to storm response.
For Florida households already grappling with rising insurance and housing expenses, the cut offers some relief. The average customer using 1,000 kWh per month will pay about $150 instead of roughly $194, depending on final adjustments. Still, analysts caution that fuel price fluctuations, extreme weather, and ongoing infrastructure investments could add new cost pressures in later rate cycles.
For Duke Energy Florida, the reduction reflects both progress and paradox. The company has invested heavily in renewable generation, natural gas plants, and grid upgrades as part of its broader decarbonization strategy. Those investments—while essential to long-term sustainability—often drive near-term costs that appear in customer bills.
This latest rate adjustment shows what the energy transition looks like at ground level: a cycle of infrastructure spending, cost recovery, and temporary relief as old surcharges drop off.
By early 2026, Duke will still be executing major grid and generation projects across Florida, including new energy storage systems and grid automation initiatives to integrate more renewables while keeping service reliable during extreme weather.
For now, the rate cut offers a brief reprieve — a reminder that in Florida’s fast-changing energy landscape, even small shifts can ripple through homes, budgets, and the grid itself.
