Duke Energy Urges Customers to Prepare for Heat Wave
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 13 2026
0mins
Source: PRnewswire
- Heat Wave Alert: Temperatures in the Carolinas are expected to reach the 90s, with humidity making it feel closer to 100°F, significantly increasing the demand on cooling systems and affecting indoor comfort for customers.
- System Preparation Tips: Duke Energy advises customers to take simple steps before the heat arrives, such as changing air filters and adjusting thermostats, to enhance the efficiency of their cooling systems and ensure comfort during extreme temperatures.
- Free Home Energy Assessment: The company offers a free home energy assessment service to help customers identify ways to improve home efficiency during high heat periods, thereby reducing the strain on air conditioning systems and lowering energy consumption.
- Smart Thermostat Promotion: Duke Energy encourages customers to utilize smart thermostats, which can automate temperature adjustments, making it easier for customers to manage energy use during the heat wave and enhance overall comfort.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy DUK?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on DUK
Wall Street analysts forecast DUK stock price to rise
11 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
6 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 123.760
Low
115.00
Averages
132.09
High
146.00
Current: 123.760
Low
115.00
Averages
132.09
High
146.00
About DUK
Duke Energy Corporation is an energy-holding company. The Company's segments include Electric Utilities and Infrastructure (EU&I) and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure (GU&I). EU&I segment conducts operations primarily through the regulated public utilities of Duke Energy Carolinas, Duke Energy Progress, Duke Energy Florida, Duke Energy Indiana and Duke Energy Ohio. EU&I provides retail electric service through the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity to approximately 8.7 million customers within the Southeast and Midwest regions of the U.S. GU&I segment conducts natural gas operations primarily through the regulated public utilities of Piedmont, Duke Energy Ohio and Duke Energy Kentucky. GU&I serves residential, commercial, industrial and power generation natural gas customers, including customers served by municipalities who are wholesale customers. It also purchases a diverse portfolio of transportation and storage services from interstate pipelines.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
South Carolina Launches New Nonresidential Demand Response Program
- Demand Response Program: The South Carolina Public Service Commission has approved a new nonresidential demand response program that allows customers to earn bill credits by utilizing energy storage systems during peak demand, enhancing grid reliability and reducing costs.
- Customer Incentives: The program offers customers up to three types of incentives, allowing them to temporarily discharge their systems between 30 and 36 times per year, with each event lasting no more than four hours, providing flexibility as customers can opt out of up to four events annually.
- Grid Stability Enhancement: By leveraging customer-sited storage, Duke Energy can release stored energy during peak demand periods, supporting renewable energy usage while helping nearly 500,000 customers lower system costs and strengthen overall grid reliability.
- Future Development Strategy: Duke Energy plans to launch the PowerShare Storage program in South Carolina in August 2026, reflecting the company's ongoing investment in grid modernization and customer value, aligning with the innovative requirements of the South Carolina Energy Security Act of 2025.
See More
Duke Energy Foundation Funds Storm Preparedness Initiatives
- Funding Amount: The Duke Energy Foundation is awarding $130,000 to 10 organizations ahead of the 2026 hurricane season to help Florida communities prepare for storms, thereby enhancing their resilience and capacity for safe recovery.
- Community Impact: These grants will be used for storm preparedness in specific counties, aiming to improve community response capabilities and ensure quick and effective recovery during extreme weather events, thus protecting residents' safety and property.
- Annual Support: The Duke Energy Foundation provides nearly $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live, demonstrating the company's commitment to social responsibility.
- Energy Modernization Strategy: Duke Energy is executing an energy modernization strategy, investing in grid upgrades and efficient generation resources to strengthen system reliability and meet growing energy demands, further solidifying its market position.
See More
CDL's Distribution Structure Solid Amid Rising Yield Competition
- Solid Distribution Structure: CDL's distribution relies entirely on dividends collected from large U.S. companies, with a payout of $2.29 per share in 2025 against a current share price of approximately $76, ensuring stable cash flow and reliable monthly distributions.
- Increased Yield Competition: The 10-year Treasury yield has reached 4.61%, surpassing CDL's 3.6% yield, which pressures share price upside but does not threaten CDL's monthly dividend stream.
- Portfolio Concentration: CDL's income is primarily derived from regulated utility companies like WEC Energy and Duke Energy, which possess stable cash flows and long-term dividend records that support future dividend growth.
- Strong Long-Term Returns: Despite the pressure from rising yields, CDL has increased by 18% over the past year, 54% over five years, and 190% over ten years, demonstrating that it provides stable dividends without sacrificing capital.
See More
NextEra and Dominion Announce $67 Billion Merger Deal
- Merger Scale: NextEra Energy announced an all-stock acquisition of Dominion Energy valued at approximately $67 billion, with a projected combined enterprise value of $420 billion if regulatory approval is obtained, potentially reshaping the U.S. utility landscape.
- Regulatory Challenges: Despite the massive scale of the deal, analysts highlight NextEra's poor track record with regulatory approvals, suggesting it may face stringent scrutiny from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and various state commissions, increasing the deal's uncertainty.
- Market Reaction: The market's response to the merger is mixed, with Jefferies analysts suggesting that investors may pivot towards safer investments like Duke Energy and Southern Company to mitigate potential risks and uncertainties surrounding the deal.
- LNG Outlook: In the liquefied natural gas sector, Energy Secretary Chris Wright indicated that China is set to become a significant buyer of U.S. crude oil, and Louisiana's ample natural gas supply can support the growth of LNG exports, showcasing the industry's robust development potential.
See More
Duke Energy Foundation Supports Veteran Employment Initiatives
- Funding Amount: The Duke Energy Foundation is awarding $30,000 to South Carolina nonprofits as part of the America250 initiative, emphasizing its commitment to supporting job readiness programs for veterans and their families.
- Beneficiary Organizations: The grants of $15,000 each to Upstate Warrior Solution and Hidden Wounds will help expand workforce development programs across eight counties, enhancing veterans' employment capabilities and quality of life.
- Strategic Importance: Tim Pearson, Duke Energy South Carolina president, highlighted the critical need to invest in training and skills for veterans and their families, which not only honors their service but also lays a foundation for future community development and social stability.
- Historical Commemoration: This funding is part of a total investment exceeding $550,000 under the Duke Energy Foundation's America250 initiative, aimed at celebrating America's 250th anniversary through community-driven projects, thereby strengthening the company's ties with local communities.
See More
Duke Energy Foundation Awards $30,000 to SC Nonprofits for Veterans
- Funding Scale: The Duke Energy Foundation is awarding $30,000 to South Carolina nonprofits as part of its America250 initiative, contributing to a total investment exceeding $550,000 aimed at addressing veterans' needs.
- Beneficiary Organizations: This funding will support organizations like Upstate Warrior Solution and Hidden Wounds, helping them expand workforce development programs for veterans across eight counties, thereby enhancing veterans' employability and quality of life.
- Strategic Importance: Duke Energy South Carolina President Tim Pearson emphasized the critical need to invest in training and skills for veterans and their families, which not only honors their service but also lays the groundwork for future community development.
- Community-Driven Projects: This funding continues the Duke Energy Foundation's commitment through the America250 initiative, which aims to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary by supporting community-driven projects, having previously allocated over $1 million to various initiatives.
See More
South Carolina Launches New Nonresidential Demand Response Program
- Demand Response Program: The South Carolina Public Service Commission has approved a new nonresidential demand response program that allows customers to earn bill credits by utilizing energy storage systems during peak demand, enhancing grid reliability and reducing costs.
- Customer Incentives: The program offers customers up to three types of incentives, allowing them to temporarily discharge their systems between 30 and 36 times per year, with each event lasting no more than four hours, providing flexibility as customers can opt out of up to four events annually.
- Grid Stability Enhancement: By leveraging customer-sited storage, Duke Energy can release stored energy during peak demand periods, supporting renewable energy usage while helping nearly 500,000 customers lower system costs and strengthen overall grid reliability.
- Future Development Strategy: Duke Energy plans to launch the PowerShare Storage program in South Carolina in August 2026, reflecting the company's ongoing investment in grid modernization and customer value, aligning with the innovative requirements of the South Carolina Energy Security Act of 2025.
See More
Duke Energy Foundation Funds Storm Preparedness Initiatives
- Funding Amount: The Duke Energy Foundation is awarding $130,000 to 10 organizations ahead of the 2026 hurricane season to help Florida communities prepare for storms, thereby enhancing their resilience and capacity for safe recovery.
- Community Impact: These grants will be used for storm preparedness in specific counties, aiming to improve community response capabilities and ensure quick and effective recovery during extreme weather events, thus protecting residents' safety and property.
- Annual Support: The Duke Energy Foundation provides nearly $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live, demonstrating the company's commitment to social responsibility.
- Energy Modernization Strategy: Duke Energy is executing an energy modernization strategy, investing in grid upgrades and efficient generation resources to strengthen system reliability and meet growing energy demands, further solidifying its market position.
See More
CDL's Distribution Structure Solid Amid Rising Yield Competition
- Solid Distribution Structure: CDL's distribution relies entirely on dividends collected from large U.S. companies, with a payout of $2.29 per share in 2025 against a current share price of approximately $76, ensuring stable cash flow and reliable monthly distributions.
- Increased Yield Competition: The 10-year Treasury yield has reached 4.61%, surpassing CDL's 3.6% yield, which pressures share price upside but does not threaten CDL's monthly dividend stream.
- Portfolio Concentration: CDL's income is primarily derived from regulated utility companies like WEC Energy and Duke Energy, which possess stable cash flows and long-term dividend records that support future dividend growth.
- Strong Long-Term Returns: Despite the pressure from rising yields, CDL has increased by 18% over the past year, 54% over five years, and 190% over ten years, demonstrating that it provides stable dividends without sacrificing capital.
See More
NextEra and Dominion Announce $67 Billion Merger Deal
- Merger Scale: NextEra Energy announced an all-stock acquisition of Dominion Energy valued at approximately $67 billion, with a projected combined enterprise value of $420 billion if regulatory approval is obtained, potentially reshaping the U.S. utility landscape.
- Regulatory Challenges: Despite the massive scale of the deal, analysts highlight NextEra's poor track record with regulatory approvals, suggesting it may face stringent scrutiny from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and various state commissions, increasing the deal's uncertainty.
- Market Reaction: The market's response to the merger is mixed, with Jefferies analysts suggesting that investors may pivot towards safer investments like Duke Energy and Southern Company to mitigate potential risks and uncertainties surrounding the deal.
- LNG Outlook: In the liquefied natural gas sector, Energy Secretary Chris Wright indicated that China is set to become a significant buyer of U.S. crude oil, and Louisiana's ample natural gas supply can support the growth of LNG exports, showcasing the industry's robust development potential.
See More
Duke Energy Foundation Supports Veteran Employment Initiatives
- Funding Amount: The Duke Energy Foundation is awarding $30,000 to South Carolina nonprofits as part of the America250 initiative, emphasizing its commitment to supporting job readiness programs for veterans and their families.
- Beneficiary Organizations: The grants of $15,000 each to Upstate Warrior Solution and Hidden Wounds will help expand workforce development programs across eight counties, enhancing veterans' employment capabilities and quality of life.
- Strategic Importance: Tim Pearson, Duke Energy South Carolina president, highlighted the critical need to invest in training and skills for veterans and their families, which not only honors their service but also lays a foundation for future community development and social stability.
- Historical Commemoration: This funding is part of a total investment exceeding $550,000 under the Duke Energy Foundation's America250 initiative, aimed at celebrating America's 250th anniversary through community-driven projects, thereby strengthening the company's ties with local communities.
See More
Duke Energy Foundation Awards $30,000 to SC Nonprofits for Veterans
- Funding Scale: The Duke Energy Foundation is awarding $30,000 to South Carolina nonprofits as part of its America250 initiative, contributing to a total investment exceeding $550,000 aimed at addressing veterans' needs.
- Beneficiary Organizations: This funding will support organizations like Upstate Warrior Solution and Hidden Wounds, helping them expand workforce development programs for veterans across eight counties, thereby enhancing veterans' employability and quality of life.
- Strategic Importance: Duke Energy South Carolina President Tim Pearson emphasized the critical need to invest in training and skills for veterans and their families, which not only honors their service but also lays the groundwork for future community development.
- Community-Driven Projects: This funding continues the Duke Energy Foundation's commitment through the America250 initiative, which aims to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary by supporting community-driven projects, having previously allocated over $1 million to various initiatives.
See More
