Duke Energy Corp - DUK STOCK NEWS

Duke Energy Foundation has granted $40,000 in total to Feeding Texas and the American Red Cross of Central and South Texas. The funding aims to support Texans affected by recent polar vortex-induced rolling blackouts and drinking water advisories. The American Red Cross will provide essential resources like food and shelter, while Feeding Texas aims to distribute over 200,000 meals to those in need. Texas holds a significant portion of Duke Energy Renewables' assets, operating nearly 1,500 MW of wind and 500 MW of solar capacity.

Duke Energy has commenced construction of the 50-MW Broad River Solar power plant in Cleveland County, N.C., enhancing its clean-energy portfolio. This project, part of North Carolina's solar legislation, will utilize over 170,000 solar panels to power 12,500 homes and is expected to be operational by the end of 2021. The initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions and create approximately 120 jobs during peak construction. Duke Energy plans to double its renewable portfolio to 16 GW by 2025, supporting its net-zero carbon goal for 2050.

Duke Energy's Green Source Advantage program has been approved by the Public Service Commission of South Carolina, expanding renewable energy options for large customers. This program allows customers to negotiate price terms with renewable suppliers while retaining renewable energy certificates. The application window opens March 29, 2021, and is available until 200 megawatts are subscribed, with 35 megawatts reserved for local governments. Duke Energy aims to reduce carbon emissions by at least 50% by 2030, following a 40% reduction since 2005.

On February 18, 2021, Duke Energy reported fewer ice-related power outages than anticipated due to warmer temperatures during a winter storm in the Carolinas. As of 5:30 PM, 5,000 customers, primarily in North Carolina, were without power. Initially, nearly 1 million customers were projected to be affected. Duke Energy mobilized over 7,000 workers from various states to respond to the situation. The company cautioned that more outages may occur as a second wave of precipitation is expected. The incident response continues to prioritize customer safety and timely restoration of power.

Duke Energy anticipates nearly 1 million power outages in North Carolina and South Carolina due to an approaching winter storm, starting Thursday. The company has mobilized over 5,400 line technicians, including support from Midwest and Florida regions, for restoration efforts. Weather conditions may delay damage assessments and restoration times. Duke Energy assures sufficient electricity supply and has completed preliminary inspections of transmission lines. Customers are encouraged to prepare for potential outages and can report issues through various channels.

Duke Energy Florida is investing $1 billion to construct 700 megawatts of solar power facilities by 2022, enhancing clean energy solutions for Florida. The company has begun construction on two solar plants, the Duette and Charlie Creek, both expected to produce electricity for approximately 23,000 homes at peak production. By spring 2022, they will add more plants, including Sandy Creek. The initiative is set to create 200-300 temporary jobs per project, and will significantly increase Florida's renewable energy capacity, with almost 300 MW added this year.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) reported its fourth-quarter and year-end 2020 financial results on Feb. 11, 2021. The company serves 7.8 million retail electric customers across six states and distributes natural gas to 1.6 million customers in five states. Duke Energy operates an electric generating capacity of 51,000 megawatts and 2,300 megawatts from its renewables unit. The company emphasizes transforming customer experience and modernizing energy infrastructure. Detailed results can be accessed via their investors' section.

The colder winter and increased at-home activity due to COVID have led to higher natural gas usage among Piedmont Natural Gas customers. This, combined with rising commodity costs, has resulted in increased bills. Piedmont urges customers to explore energy-saving tips and sign up for programs like Equal Payment Plans. The company will continue to pass commodity costs without markup. Piedmont serves over 1 million customers across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, and is a subsidiary of Duke Energy, which is recognized for customer satisfaction.

Duke Energy announces the promotion of Melissa Seixas to president of Duke Energy Florida, effective February 16, succeeding Catherine Stempien. Seixas, who has been with the company for 34 years, will focus on enhancing customer relations and advancing clean energy initiatives across the state. Her experience includes managing government relations and community engagement throughout a 35-county service area. Duke Energy continues to modernize its energy infrastructure and promote sustainability, serving approximately 7.7 million electric customers across six states.