Duke Energy Requests Load Reduction Amidst Carolinas Heat Wave

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) is requesting that customers in North and South Carolina voluntarily reduce electricity consumption between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on September 18, 2026. The utility issued the call in response to unusually high September temperatures that have driven peak demand levels across its service territories in the Carolinas.

The company aims to alleviate strain on the power grid during the day's highest load period. By encouraging customers to shift or defer heavy electrical loads, Duke Energy seeks to maintain system reliability and prevent potential outages for its approximately 4.77 million combined electric customers in the two states.

Specific Actions Target Peak Hours

Duke Energy provided specific guidance for customers to lower their load during the critical six-hour window. Recommendations include raising thermostats to the highest comfortable setting to reduce air conditioning runtime. The utility also advised against operating major appliances such as washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers, which draw significant power and generate additional heat.

Electric vehicle owners were specifically instructed to delay charging until overnight hours when demand is lower. Additionally, the company urged customers to limit the use of electric ranges and ovens, as the heat generated by these appliances increases the cooling load required by air conditioning systems.

Operational Pressure on Grid Infrastructure

Kendal Bowman, president of Duke Energy's North Carolina utility operations, stated that above-average heat places significant pressure on the system during peak hours. He noted that small actions taken during the late afternoon and early evening help reduce grid strain, supporting reliable service for all customers.

Tim Pearson, president of Duke Energy's South Carolina utility operations, acknowledged the inconvenience of reduced use but emphasized its impact on grid stability. Pearson said the company is deploying every available resource to meet demand, ensuring that power continues to flow to communities despite the extreme weather conditions.

Scale of Duke Energy Operations

Duke Energy serves approximately 3.9 million electric customers in North Carolina and more than 870,000 in South Carolina. As a Fortune 150 company, the utility operates 55,700 megawatts of energy capacity across six states. The company is currently executing a modernization strategy focused on grid upgrades and efficient generation resources to handle growing energy needs.

This demand response event is part of the utility's broader efforts to manage peak loads. The company’s natural gas utilities serve 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, and Kentucky. By coordinating customer behavior with operational resources, Duke Energy aims to balance supply and demand without resorting to rolling blackouts.