Overview
- Duke Energy thanked Carolinas customers for conserving power Monday morning, saying the actions lessened grid stress and supported reliable service.
- Voluntary conservation was requested for Feb. 2 peak hours in the Carolinas from 4–10 a.m. and in Florida from 5–9 a.m. as unusually cold weather pushed demand higher than normal.
- Company officials cited temperatures 10 to 20 degrees below seasonal norms across the East Coast and the coldest air in Florida since 2018 as key drivers of the demand spike.
- Duke Energy said it maximized generation, purchased power, and engaged demand‑response with large customers, noting the region’s interconnected grid allows utilities to support one another during extreme conditions.
- Local utilities and officials, including Orlando Utilities Commission and Ocala’s mayor, echoed conservation guidance, while Duke highlighted ongoing energy‑saving tips and bill‑management programs for customers.