Quick answer
Mostly storm costs, winter rates and use above 1,000 kWh. Duke Energy Florida added a hurricane charge of $33 per 1,000 kWh in 2025, charges more per kWh in winter and above 1,000 kWh a month, and had the highest typical bill of Florida's big three utilities at the end of 2025. Bills fell about $50 during 2026 once that storm charge ended.
Why is my Duke Energy Florida bill so high?
- Hurricane costs. Duke added a charge of $33 per 1,000 kWh in March 2025 to recover the cost of Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton. It ended early, in February 2026.
- Winter rates. From December through February, Duke's base energy charge is higher than the rest of the year, and cold snaps push Florida power demand to its highest daily peaks, because Florida homes heat less efficiently than they cool.
- The 1,000 kWh tier. Every kWh above 1,000 a month costs more in every season, so big months cost more per kWh, not just more kWh.
- Rate increases. Duke's 2024 rate settlement raised base rates by $203 million in 2025 and $59 million in 2026.
At the end of 2025, the Florida Public Service Commission's comparison put Duke's typical 1,000 kWh bill at $184.96 before taxes and fees, compared with $163.81 at Tampa Electric and $130.68 at FPL.
Winter heating is a big part of it on Duke; see why Florida bills jump in winter.
What does Duke Energy Florida charge per kWh?
| Season | First 1,000 kWh | Above 1,000 kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (December to February) | 8.805¢ | 10.302¢ |
| March to November | 7.731¢ | 8.503¢ |
Fuel, storm protection and other charges come on top of the base energy charge, along with a customer charge of $14.35 a month. In the Florida Municipal Electric Association's May 2026 comparison, Duke's 1,000 kWh bill came to $149.23 before local fees, or about 14.9¢ per kWh all-in.
Why did my Duke Energy bill go down in 2026?
| When | Change | Why |
|---|---|---|
| January | +$7.54 | A temporary increase for January and February |
| February | About −$33 | The hurricane recovery charge ended early |
| March | About −$11 | Seasonal rates, which return each March through November |
| June to September | About −$6 | A storm-cost true-up |
Together, those changes cut a 1,000 kWh bill by about $50, or 25%, from January 2026. Some of that comes back each winter, when the higher December to February rates return.
Will Duke Energy Florida bills go up in 2027?
No. On November 3, 2026, the Public Service Commission approved Duke's 2027 rates: a typical 1,000 kWh bill in January 2027 is about $33 lower than in January 2026 and about $0.95 lower than in December 2026. Duke said it used a tax strategy to avoid a planned 2% base-rate increase, and its seasonal cut of about $10 per 1,000 kWh returns in March 2027.
How can I lower my Duke Energy Florida bill?
- Watch the 1,000 kWh line, especially in winter, when each kWh above it costs the most.
- Solar. Duke credits exported solar at the full retail rate under Florida net metering, so a system sized to your yearly use can cover nearly all of the energy part of your bill. Only the $30 minimum bill stays.
If your roof can't take panels, compare Duke's Clean Energy Connection with rooftop solar.
How much would solar cut my Duke Energy Florida bill?
| Monthly bill | System | Saved per month (year one) | Price | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $150 | 6.4 kW | $118 | $17,300 | 12.2 yrs |
| $200 | 8.8 kW | $163 | $23,800 | 12.2 yrs |
| $300 | 14.4 kW | $266 | $38,900 | 12.2 yrs |
| $400 | 19.6 kW | $363 | $52,900 | 12.2 yrs |
For a $200 bill, that's an 8.8 kW system at about $23,800. See the Duke Energy Florida solar page, how much solar costs in Florida, or run your own bill through the savings calculator.
Sources
- St. Pete Catalyst: Duke bills to fall by $50 this year as storm recovery charge ends (May 2026)
- Florida PSC: Duke Energy Florida rate summary, residential customer charge effective June 2026
- WFTV: Duke Energy Florida customers see bill cut starting March 2026 (Nov. 2025)
- Duke Energy Florida requests to lower rates in 2027 (Sept. 2026)
- Duke Energy Florida customers to see lower rates in 2027 (Nov. 2026)
- WUSF: Florida commission approves Duke Energy settlement increasing base rates (Aug. 2024)
- Florida PSC: Duke Energy Florida residential rate filing (June 2026)
- Florida PSC: Comparative rate statistics, December 31, 2025
- Florida Municipal Electric Association: Residential bill comparison, May 2026
- WLRN: Extreme cold drives Florida's power demand (Feb. 2026)
- Palmetto: Florida utility guide (net metering and minimum bills, 2026)
- Florida Administrative Code Rule 25-6.065: Interconnection and net metering of customer-owned renewable generation
This guide is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Incentive programs change, so confirm current terms with your installer, your utility and a tax professional.