Duke Energy Florida to lower residential rates in 2021
Duke Energy Florida (DEF) will decrease residential rates by 2.8 percent in 2021 while making grid improvements to enhance reliability and security.
The decreased rates for 2021 reflect an expected decrease in storm cost recovery and fuel charges. It includes investments made in grid reliability to reduce the number and duration of outages.
Typical residential customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) will see a decrease of $3.63 or 2.8% in their monthly bill starting in January 2021, pending approvals. Rates for commercial and industrial customers will vary on several factors, from a 6.6 percent decrease to a 1.1 percent increase.
“In 2021, Duke Energy Florida is bringing new services and technologies to our customers while lowering costs and keeping residential rates for electricity lower than the national average,” Catherine Stempien, Duke Energy Florida state president, said. “While our customers’ bills are decreasing, we know some of them continue to face financial hardships. We’re providing enhanced care and expanded assistance for those impacted by the pandemic.”
Duke Energy Florida is offering payment plans for customers who are accumulating past-due balances on their utility bills. Further, the company will continue to assist residential and business customers whose accounts have fallen behind due to illness or lost wages. Customers can choose an extended payment arrangement that meets their individual needs.
Also, customers who need additional assistance can visit the Energy Neighbor Fund webpage to learn how community agencies can help pay energy bills, or visit 211.org or call 211 to locate available resources. The free service can help customers find local community agencies that provide assistance.
Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides about 10,200 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 1.8 million customers.
