DUK · Duke Energy CORP

Advance work at the Bailey site prepared the property for a significant industrial investment by USA Rare Earth Collaboration underscores the power of ready-to-go sites; adds to the $3.5 billion of capital investments and more than 5,200 new jobs the Site Readiness Program has helped bring to South Carolina USA Rare Earth's announcement this week of a major investment and new jobs in Cherokee County highlights the impact of Duke Energy's Site Readiness Program, which helped prepare the Bailey Industrial Site for major economic development. Through upfront due diligence, infrastructure planning and site marketing, the program made Bailey more competitive for companies looking to move quickly on a new project. Since 2005, the program has helped attract significant investment across South Carolina, and Bailey is the latest example. After completing the site-readiness process, the Cherokee County property was better positioned to compete for transformative projects – culminating in USA

Duke Energy Florida will implement its third rate reduction of 2026 from June through September, lowering residential customer bills by approximately $50, or 25%, for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy used when compared to January. The breakdown: Below is an outline of how these rate reductions have and will continue to appear on the bills of Duke Energy Florida's typical residential customers using 1,000 kWh per month: February 2026: An approximately $33 decrease from the early removal of the storm cost recovery charge associated with the company's response to hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton March 2026: An approximately $11 decrease instituted by the company every March through November to help customers save money during times when energy use is typically higher June 2026: An approximately $6 decrease reflecting the difference between the storm cost recovery amount collected and the actual amount incurred by the company (effective through September 2026) Total: An

Since 2016, the Duke Energy Foundation has given more than $8.9 million to support emergency preparedness and storm response in North Carolina With the 2026 hurricane season beginning June 1, the Duke Energy Foundation is awarding $500,000 in grants to 20 nonprofit and local government partners across North Carolina to strengthen emergency preparedness, improve coordination during severe weather and support faster, safer recovery for communities statewide. Our view Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy's North Carolina president: "Preparation saves lives and shortens recovery. By investing in trusted local partners across North Carolina, we're helping communities strengthen emergency readiness before storms hit and ensuring responders have the tools they need when every minute counts." Positive response Allison Taylor, regional executive, American Red Cross North Carolina Region: "The American Red Cross is grateful to Duke Energy for investing in the readiness of our region. Their support helps

PowerShare Storage offers bill credits to customers who enroll a qualifying energy storage system Program builds on solutions to help ensure long-term grid reliability and resilience The Public Service Commission of South Carolina has approved the launch of a new nonresidential demand response program that leverages customer storage assets as flexible grid resources while delivering direct value to participating customers. By enrolling a qualifying energy storage system, customers can earn bill credits while helping support a more reliable grid during periods of high demand as the Carolinas continue to grow. Why it matters: An energy storage system functions like a backup power source, capturing energy when it's available, and delivering it when customers need it most. Storage-based demand response programs enhance this benefit by helping customers reduce costs while supporting grid reliability during times of peak demand. PowerShare® Storage expands Duke Energy's existing battery

With the 2026 hurricane season starting on June 1, the Duke Energy Foundation is awarding $130,000 to 10 organizations that are preparing communities across Florida for storms, while also strengthening their resiliency and capacity for safe, coordinated recovery. High-impact investments: American Red Cross ($25,000) City of Davenport ($5,000) Frostproof Chamber Foundation ($5,000) Gulfport Senior Center Foundation ($30,000) Hernando County Board of County Commissioners ($10,000) Lake County Board of County Commissioners ($5,000) Orange County Office of Emergency Management ($20,000) Seminole County Board of County Commissioners ($10,000) Taylor County Emergency Management ($5,000) Wakulla County Sheriff's Office ($15,000) For descriptions of how each grant will be used and the specific counties impacted, as well as quotes from each organization's leadership, please click here . Our view: Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president: "Since 2021, the Duke Energy Foundation has