DUK · News · 20260918N

Weather Impact on Demand

Duke Energy CORP · 2026-09-18 · Importance 17 · Surprise 24

Unusually hot September weather is driving high electricity demand across Duke Energy’s Carolinas service territory. Duke is asking its 3.9 million North Carolina customers and more than 870,000 South Carolina customers to voluntarily reduce electricity use between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. during the peak-demand period. The request is intended to reduce grid strain and support reliable service, with customers encouraged to adjust thermostats, defer major appliance use, and charge electric vehicles overnight.

Key facts

• Duke Energy is asking its 3.9 million North Carolina and over 870,000 South Carolina customers to voluntarily reduce electricity use between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. today. source
• Customers can help by adjusting thermostats, avoiding major appliance use, limiting electric range usage, and charging electric vehicles overnight. source
• This measure aims to reduce strain on the power grid during peak periods and ensure reliable service. source
• The request is due to unusually hot September weather driving high electricity demand. source