Core Insights - Duke Energy is encouraging customers to manage their energy use as summer temperatures rise, emphasizing the importance of energy savings during heat waves [1][2]. Energy-Saving Programs and Tips - The company offers personalized usage alerts and various programs to help customers save energy and money, particularly during high-temperature periods [2]. - Customers can benefit from financial assistance programs and energy-saving tools, which are designed to help manage energy costs [8][4]. Company Overview - Duke Energy is a major energy holding company serving 8.6 million electric customers and 1.7 million natural gas customers across several states, with a total energy capacity of 55,100 megawatts [5]. - The company is focused on an ambitious energy transition, investing in electric grid upgrades and cleaner energy sources, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables, and energy storage [6]. Energy Efficiency Tips - Recommendations for energy savings include setting thermostats higher, using cooler water for laundry, running appliances during cooler hours, and utilizing ceiling fans effectively [9]. - Customers can receive a free home energy assessment and take advantage of rebates for energy-efficient equipment through the Smart $aver® program [9].

The study will explore the possibility of a sale of existing coal units Settlement with state's coal producers is aligned with Indiana Governor Mike Braun's executive orders on coalPLAINFIELD, Ind., June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy Indiana and Reliable Energy Inc., which represents several of Indiana's major coal producers, have reached a settlement in Duke Energy Indiana's request pending before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission for a proposed new natural gas plant at its Cayuga Generati ...

Core Viewpoint - Duke Energy Progress has requested a public review of its current rates from South Carolina regulators, seeking a revenue increase of $74.8 million, which equates to a 12.1% rise over existing revenues [2][4]. Rate Increase Details - If approved, typical residential customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month will see their monthly electric bills rise by $21.66, from $144.85 to $166.51, effective February 1, 2026 [2]. - Commercial customers are expected to experience an average increase of 12.8%, while industrial customers will see an average increase of around 3.6% [2]. Company Background - Duke Energy Progress, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, operates with 13,800 megawatts of energy capacity, serving 1.8 million customers across a 28,000-square-mile area in North and South Carolina [5]. - Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company, serves 8.6 million customers across multiple states and owns a total of 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity [6]. Recent Investments and Improvements - The company has made significant investments to strengthen the grid, improve storm readiness, and enhance customer service, which have contributed to reduced outages [7][9]. - The last regulatory review of rates occurred in 2022, and this request reflects ongoing efforts to meet future energy demands and improve operational excellence [7][8]. Technological Advancements - Smart, self-healing technology has been implemented, which helped restore over 10,000 customer outages during Hurricane Helene, saving more than 28,000 hours of total outage time [8]. Commitment to Energy Transition - Duke Energy is focused on an ambitious energy transition, investing in electric grid upgrades and cleaner energy sources, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables, and energy storage [9].

Core Viewpoint - Duke Energy plans to submit an application to build a new natural gas power plant in Anderson County, South Carolina, to meet the growing energy demands of the state due to economic development and population growth [1][2]. Group 1: Project Details - The construction application is expected to be submitted later this year, with construction anticipated to begin in summer 2027 and the plant expected to serve customers by early 2031 [3]. - The facility will be located on nearly 200 acres near Highway 81 South in Anderson County and is designed to provide approximately 1,400 megawatts of electricity [7]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - The project is the first request by Duke Energy to build new generation in South Carolina in a decade and aligns with state leaders' goals to enhance electricity capacity in response to growth [6][8]. - The facility will utilize existing infrastructure and is part of a partnership with GE Vernova to supply natural gas turbines, supporting advanced manufacturing and data centers [7]. Group 3: Community and Leadership Support - Local leaders, including Governor Henry McMaster and Senate President Thomas Alexander, emphasize the importance of reliable energy infrastructure for South Carolina's economic success and future prosperity [8][9]. - Duke Energy's commitment to this project reflects its ongoing partnership with Anderson County and aims to benefit the local economy and community [9]. Group 4: Company Overview - Duke Energy is a major energy holding company serving 8.6 million customers across several states and owns 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity [10]. - The company is focused on an energy transition that includes investments in cleaner generation sources such as natural gas, nuclear, renewables, and energy storage [11].

Core Viewpoint - Duke Energy is enhancing support for storm preparedness initiatives in North Carolina by providing grants to local emergency response organizations, aiming to bolster community resilience against natural disasters [1][3]. Group 1: Grant Details - Duke Energy Foundation is awarding $25,000 grants to twenty government agencies and nonprofits to fund severe weather preparedness measures [2]. - The HERO grants will finance emergency preparedness equipment and first responder training, benefiting 20 essential disaster response organizations [7]. Group 2: Importance of Preparedness - Recent natural disasters have had devastating effects across North Carolina, highlighting the need for collaborative response planning as another storm season approaches [3]. - The Duke Energy Foundation has supported over 100 local emergency response organizations with more than $1.8 million in grant funding over the past five years to enhance storm preparedness [4]. Group 3: Statements from Officials - Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy's North Carolina president, emphasized the importance of proactive collaboration with local emergency response organizations to ensure community preparedness [8]. - Local officials, such as Tommy Batson and Tony Ray, expressed gratitude for the grants, noting their critical role in improving emergency response capabilities and community safety [8]. Group 4: Duke Energy Overview - Duke Energy is a major energy holding company serving 8.6 million customers across several states and owns 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity [10]. - The company is committed to an ambitious energy transition, focusing on electric grid upgrades and cleaner energy generation [11].

Core Viewpoint - Duke Energy Indiana is allocating $200,000 to its Share the Light Fund to assist customers facing financial difficulties during the summer months, aiming to help manage rising energy costs due to increased usage and temperatures [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Assistance - Over the past five years, Duke Energy's Share the Light Fund has provided more than $4 million in assistance, benefiting nearly 15,000 households in Indiana [1][3]. - The fund offers up to $300 to qualifying customers to help cover energy bills, deposits, and reconnection charges, in collaboration with the Indiana Community Action Association [2][3]. Group 2: Community Support - Duke Energy partners with community action agencies to identify customers in need and distribute financial assistance [2][3]. - The initiative aims to alleviate the financial strain caused by high seasonal energy bills for families experiencing economic hardship [3]. Group 3: Company Overview - Duke Energy Indiana is the largest electric supplier in Indiana, providing approximately 6,300 megawatts of electric capacity to around 910,000 customers across a 23,000-square-mile service area [5]. - Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company, serves 8.6 million customers across multiple states and owns a total of 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity [6]. Group 4: Energy Management Tools - Duke Energy offers various tools and resources to help customers manage their energy use and save money, including usage alerts, free home energy assessments, and flexible payment plans [4][9].

Industry Overview - The Zacks Utility - Electric Power industry is characterized by a regulated structure that supports stable, long-term income, allowing utilities to recover costs and earn consistent returns, which reduces earnings volatility [1] - The industry is evolving due to a shift toward clean energy, with significant investments in grid modernization, renewable integration, and electrification, reshaping the sector [2] Company Profiles NextEra Energy - NextEra Energy is a leading U.S. utility known for its investments in renewable energy, including wind, solar, and battery storage, driving the clean energy transition [3] - The company operates one of the largest portfolios of wind and solar projects globally and has strong financials and a history of innovation [3] - NextEra Energy's earnings per share (EPS) estimate for 2025 has increased by 0.27% over the past 60 days, with a long-term earnings growth projection of 7.72% [6] Duke Energy - Duke Energy is one of the largest U.S. utilities, aiming to cut carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with plans to double renewable capacity by 2030 [4] - The company is investing in modern infrastructure and clean technologies, offering stable, regulated returns with long-term growth potential [4] - Duke Energy's EPS estimates for 2025 remained unchanged, while the 2026 estimates decreased by 0.15%, with a long-term earnings growth projection of 6.33% [8] Financial Metrics - NextEra Energy's current dividend yield is 3.33%, while Duke Energy's is 3.59%, both exceeding the industry average of 3.17% [11] - Return on Equity (ROE) for NextEra Energy is 12.06%, outperforming Duke Energy's ROE of 9.88% and the industry's ROE of 10.13% [12] - NextEra Energy's debt-to-capital ratio is 56.98%, compared to Duke Energy's 60.61%, with the industry's average at 54.57% [14] Valuation and Capital Expenditure - NextEra Energy is trading at a Price/Earnings Forward 12-month ratio of 17.93X, slightly cheaper than Duke Energy's 17.96X, while both are above the industry average of 15.37X [15] - NextEra Energy plans to invest nearly $72.6 billion from 2025 to 2029, while Duke Energy plans to invest $46.6 billion from 2025 to 2027, focusing on infrastructure and clean electricity generation [17] Conclusion - NextEra Energy has a marginal edge over Duke Energy due to its positive earnings estimate movement, better ROE, and cheaper valuation, despite both companies holding a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) [18]

The utility sector has been a sleepy industry over the years. These companies generate very stable earnings backed by government-regulated rate structures. Because governments set rates, utilities don't grow that fast. However, these companies tend to generate lots of stable income, which gives them money to pay lucrative dividends. Black Hills (BKH -0.65%), Dominion (D 0.13%), and Duke Energy (DUK 0.21%) currently stand out to a few Fool.com contributors for their high-yielding payouts. Here's why they bel ...

Analyst's Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of FIX, LB either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether an ...

Core Insights - Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) reported first-quarter 2025 earnings of $1.76 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.59 by 10.7% and improving 22.2% from $1.44 per share in the same quarter last year, driven by higher retail sales volumes and new rates [1][3] - Total operating revenues reached $8.25 billion, a 7.5% increase from $7.67 billion in the previous year, also surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $8.06 billion by 2.3% [1][2] Revenue Breakdown - The Regulated electric unit generated operating revenues of $7.06 billion, up 4.9% year over year, contributing 85.6% to total revenues [2] - Revenues from the Regulated natural gas business totaled $1.11 billion, reflecting a significant increase of 27.6% year over year [2] - The Non-regulated Electric and Other segment produced revenues of $80 million, which is a 9.6% year-over-year increase [2] Expense and Income Analysis - Total operating expenses for the quarter were $5.91 billion, up 3.4% year over year, primarily due to increased costs in natural gas, operation, maintenance, depreciation, and property taxes [3] - Operating income rose 19.4% to $2.34 billion from $1.96 billion in the same quarter last year [3] Customer and Sales Metrics - Interest expenses increased to $889 million from $817 million in the first quarter of 2024 [4] - The average number of customers in Electric Utilities grew by 1.7% year over year [4] - Total electric sales volumes increased by 7.6% year over year, reaching 65,242 gigawatt-hours [4] Segment Performance - Electric Utilities & Infrastructure segment earnings totaled $1,276 million, up from $1,021 million in the first quarter of 2024 [5] - Gas Utilities & Infrastructure segment earnings were $349 million, compared to $284 million in the previous year [5] - The Other segment incurred a loss of $260 million, worsening from a loss of $203 million in the first quarter of 2024 [6] Financial Position - As of March 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents stood at $475 million, up from $314 million on December 31, 2024 [7] - Long-term debt increased to $79.70 billion from $76.34 billion as of December 31, 2024 [7] - Net cash from operating activities for the first three months of 2025 was $2.18 billion, down from $2.47 billion in the same period last year [7] Future Guidance - Duke Energy reaffirmed its 2025 adjusted EPS guidance, expecting a range of $6.17-$6.42, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate at $6.32 per share [9] - The company projects long-term EPS growth of 5-7% through 2029 [9]