Duke Energy Florida’s $90.5 million refund will benefit more than 2 million customers this summer, thanks to an over-collection during the 2024 hurricane season.
The Florida Public Service Commission authorized this refund after Duke Energy collected excessive amounts for hurricane restoration costs. The refund will appear as a reduction in the fuel charge on bills from June through September, offering much-needed relief during the warmer months.
Customers will see a decrease in their monthly fuel charge from 4.414 cents per kilowatt-hour to 3.852 cents per kilowatt-hour, translating to a reduction of 0.562 cents per kilowatt-hour.
Duke Energy serves over 2 million customers across 35 counties in Florida, and the company previously collected more than $1 billion in storm-related costs, while actual expenses amounted to about $915.3 million.
The storm charge was initially set to continue until February 2026 but will now end early, concluding in January 2026 instead. This change came after Duke Energy informed the Commission about the over-collection.
Key details:
- The payout will continue through September.
- No action is needed from customers; the refund will be automatically applied to their accounts.
- The Commission directed that the over-collected funds be returned through a temporary reduction in fuel charges.
This decision marks a significant step towards ensuring that Duke Energy customers receive fair treatment regarding their energy bills. Many families are looking forward to these savings as they manage their budgets during the hot summer months ahead.