Melissa Seixas, state president for Duke Energy Florida, said the company acknowledges the financial pressures customers face from rising expenses and is implementing prompt bill reductions while continuing to provide a dependable energy supply.
“We understand all of our customers have been affected by the rising costs of living, many may be facing financial challenges, and some are even having to decide which bills they can afford to pay every month,” said Seixas, Duke Energy Florida State President. “It was important to us that our customers get this significant rate relief as soon as possible while we continue to deliver the safe, reliable power they expect and deserve.”
The company reports that this change will result in a reduction of approximately $33 per 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) for residential bills compared to January. Commercial and industrial customers can expect reductions ranging from 9.6% to 15.8%. Additionally, Duke Energy Florida highlights $340 million in annual fuel savings achieved through natural gas efficiencies.
Seixas also notes that investments planned for 2025 are expected to generate over $1 billion in energy cost savings for customers. These savings will come from expanding renewable energy sources, upgrading power plants, and enhancing the grid infrastructure. The completion of solar facilities in Hernando, Sumter, and Madison counties is projected to save $750 million by offsetting fuel costs, while improvements at natural gas plants are anticipated to contribute an additional $350 million in savings.
According to recent data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average residential electricity price in the United States is 17.98 cents per kWh, marking a 5.2% increase from the previous year. In comparison, Florida’s average rate stands at 15.70 cents per kWh—10.9% higher year-over-year but still below the national average.
Seixas became Duke Energy Florida’s state president in February 2021 and oversees finances, regulations, and community relations for approximately two million customers across 35 counties. Her career began in distribution engineering with predecessor companies in 1986 and she has since held various leadership roles over four decades.
