Duke Energy: Tech to Cut Costs, Boost Service in Dunedin

Duke Energy will continue efforts to provide reliable energy at the lowest possible costs for Dunedin residents. The company is implementing smart technologies, including artificial intelligence and drones, to improve service and manage expenses across the city.

The utility uses AI, drones and smart technology to speed operations and restore power more quickly after outages. Duke Energy plans to spread costs for storm damage and system upgrades over time to avoid sharp bill increases and maintain lower rates.

To support growing energy demands, Duke Energy is strengthening its grid. This includes reducing outage frequency, enabling faster power restoration and accommodating new energy sources like solar power. The company uses advanced weather tracking to anticipate outages and improve crew response. It has also invested in self-healing technology that automatically detects and reroutes power during neighborhood outages.

Duke Energy is planning for future growth driven by increased demand from large energy users such as advanced manufacturing, data centers and AI operations. The company is working with policymakers and regulators to ensure these customers contribute fairly to service costs. Contracts will cover expenses for serving these customers, aiming to protect residential and small business customers from cost shifts and potentially lessen future rate increases.

Duke Energy offers multiple customer support channels for billing, payment options and energy-saving programs. Residents can connect via chat, phone, email, text or mobile services for updates on bills, service requests and outages. The company encourages customers to use available programs, which include energy-saving tips, home energy audits, incentives for improvements, bill usage alerts, flexible payment arrangements and options for renewable energy and time-of-use rates. Income-qualified support programs are also available.