Duke Energy claims data center capex drives economies of scale, reducing per-MWh ratepayer costs; pro-buildout messaging.

Duke Energy projects that new data center development across its service territory will generate billions of dollars in long-term bill savings for existing customers while supporting investments in grid infrastructure and energy resources.

The utility said these customer benefits will flow from long-term agreements with large-load customers designed to ensure data centers cover the costs of system connection and service delivery.

Duke Energy's Customer Protection Plus framework establishes three core priorities: maintaining grid reliability, requiring financial protections from large customers, and creating value for existing customers. Before connecting new data centers, the company conducts engineering studies to confirm the electric system can accommodate additional load while preserving reliability and power quality.

Data center agreements under the framework may include customer-funded interconnection costs, long-term service commitments, upfront financial security, termination charges, and temporary curtailment provisions during limited grid events. These mechanisms provide greater planning certainty and prevent growth-related costs from shifting to other customers.

When revenue from new large-load customers exceeds the cost of serving them, the additional revenue supports customer bill savings as well as investments to strengthen the grid, expand energy resources, and support economic development.

"Duke Energy remains focused on ensuring data centers not only pay their fair share but also yield savings for our existing customers," said Harry Sideris, president and CEO of Duke Energy.

Sasha Weintraub, executive vice president and chief customer officer, added that the utility is collaborating with customers, regulators, and other stakeholders to ensure data center growth delivers customer benefits while preparing the electric system for future demand.