When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
Duke Energy
Why Duke Energy is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Duke Energy stands as one of the largest energy holding companies in America, serving approximately 8.6 million electric customers and 1.7 million natural gas customers across several states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. The company operates a diverse energy portfolio with 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity, utilizing sources like natural gas, nuclear, renewable energy, and energy storage solutions. Duke Energy is actively investing over $10 billion in grid resiliency and storm hardening to modernize infrastructure and improve reliability amidst increasing demand and climate challenges. The company prioritizes safety, operational excellence, and clear communication during major events, reflecting the commitment of its 26,000 employees and utility partners. Despite these efforts, Duke Energy remains focused on meeting energy needs now and into the future, navigating a decade marked by record infrastructure growth and evolving customer expectations. Their strategy emphasizes both shareholder value and customer service improvement, positioning Duke Energy as a key player during an era of energy transformation.
Here's what people think of Duke Energy
As of recent, Duke Energy holds a 1.8-star rating based on 165 reviews.
Duke Energy has a mixed reputation among consumers, as reflected in its low average rating of 1.8 out of 5 stars from over 165 reviews. Many users highlight issues with high utility costs, occasional billing discrepancies, and inconsistent service quality. Common complaints include frustration over billing accuracy and dissatisfaction with the customer service experience. On the positive side, several reviews praise Duke Energy for its responsive customer service, quick power outage restoration, proactive maintenance, and effective communication during outages. Customers also acknowledge the company's investments into grid resiliency and technology upgrades that have prevented extensive outages, especially during major storms. However, negative reviews often overshadow these benefits due to frequent interruptions and perceived lack of responsiveness in some areas. Overall, while Duke Energy demonstrates commitment to infrastructure and reliability improvements, customer feedback indicates ongoing challenges with service consistency and billing. This underscores the need for continued focus on customer relations alongside operational modernization to improve public perception and user satisfaction.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
James Elledge
If i could do negative stars I would. I have been a Duke Energy business customer for over 20 years. We moved locations in October of last year and even though we had never had a late payment with them, because we moved they forced us to put down over 2000 for a security deposit. The years we were with them meant absolutely nothing to them. So we are paying our bill along with extra to pay for this ridiculous security deposit. We just made a payment for $983 on the 2nd of April. I get a call from someone this morning saying they were with Duke Energy and I couldn't fathom Duke would be calling since I'd just made a payment. So I assumed the call was another scam call like we get all the time. Well, it wasn't and these......... I will refrain from what I want to call them, these people came and cut the power this morning. Had to stop the 1000 things I'm in the middle of to deal with it. Paid another 820 some dollars to get it cut back on. Thanks for treating your long time customers so well Duke Energy. Y'all suck!!! NC Utilities commission, please come up with a way for competition in the power business for Duke Power. Maybe then they would treat their customers better. UNBELIEVABLE!!!
Trevor Boswell
Absolute god awful company. Somehow my electric charges have gone through the roof and according to them my usage has skyrocket from last year, when last year at this time I was home all day long. Now I’m not home all day and my usage is way up compared to last year?. They are crooks, stealing money from customers and overcharging for electric services. Not to mention all the ridiculous fees they charge you monthly. This past month i had a storm restoration fee? Are you kidding, the s*** they are sticking to people is absolutely criminal
Kevin Merino
Their customer support system is terrible if you have to do anything out of the ordinary. After going through 2 levels of CS staff last week, they were supposed to provided specific answers in 5-7 days to questions regarding my account that had been escalated to the Technical Lighting Department. It took me 20 minutes today and 2 customer support staff to find out that the person that is suppose to be answering the questions is out and they don't know when they will be back. I find it impossible to believe there is only one person in the department that can answer my question. I find it unacceptable that it takes so much effort to call customer support to find out the status of getting my answers. In previous interactions with their customer support, I had reported trees that were leaning over the powerlines to our neighborhood and were imminently going to fall on them. They schedule a service call only to cancel it a few days later. I called back the customer support line on a Friday to try to get the issue addressed again as their was a tropical weather system forecast to come though that weekend. They said that the person that would have to consider the issue would not be able to do so until Monday and schedule a request for a call back. The tree came down on the lines and took out our neighborhoods power that weekend. Thanks Duke!
Jorge E Londono
Can we have a different energy company not run by incompetent morons? They will turn off your auto pay without saying anything, and then when you get a message saying that you need to pay or have service discontinued you can't use the website because the website is 9/10 going to be out.
Joshua Gallant
Rates double in one months time, they said it was due to it being colder than normal…? These people are crooks and should be investigated by the US Government for extortion! Duke energy needs to do better for the customers of NC!!
How to reach Duke Energy
None
Website: None
Why Duke Energy may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at this place with your friends?
Gathering your friends or family at Duke Energy might seem unusual at first glance, given that it is primarily known as one of the largest energy companies in the United States. However, the rich history, the crucial role it plays in powering communities, and its ongoing projects make Duke Energy an interesting focal point for group discussions, meetups, or even educational excursions. If your group has an interest in energy, sustainability, or industrial history, Duke Energy offers a unique backdrop where you can appreciate how a century-old company has evolved with technology and innovation. The company’s story spans from humble beginnings with hydroelectric power on the Catawba River to becoming a multi-continental energy giant. This narrative can spark meaningful conversations and inspire deeper understanding among friends or family about energy production, regional development, and corporate evolution.
More than just a utility provider, Duke Energy symbolizes the progress in energy infrastructure and environmental challenges faced over decades, which makes it a compelling venue for learning and collective brainstorming. This place, therefore, is not only about the business of energy but also about the connections we have with the power that fuels our daily lives. Rallying here supports intellectual engagement and fosters appreciation for the complexities behind keeping millions of homes and businesses running. This shared experience can deepen bonds within your group by combining education with the awareness of an essential service that impacts everyone’s life.
What activities are available at Duke Energy for group meetups?
Duke Energy, as an energy corporation, does not operate as a traditional leisure venue, but it offers several activities and opportunities that make it suitable for group meetups, especially those interested in industry tours, educational programs, and community engagement. The company regularly hosts events or tours where groups can learn about renewable energy, nuclear power generation, natural gas operations, and sustainability initiatives. Such guided tours often include visits to hydroelectric plants, nuclear facilities, or natural gas pipelines, providing firsthand exposure to how energy is generated and delivered. These experiences are educational and can be eye-opening, offering comprehensive views into energy infrastructure, technology, and its environmental impacts.
For groups interested in environmental science, energy innovation, or business history, Duke Energy's educational programs and outreach initiatives encourage learning exchanges. They sometimes organize workshops or forums discussing energy trends, regulatory changes, and the company’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions. By participating in these sessions, groups gain deeper insights and can even engage in discussions with industry experts. Furthermore, Duke Energy’s commitment to community development often translates to sponsoring local events or partnering with nonprofits, which could be a meaningful way for a group to participate in volunteer or corporate social responsibility activities together.
Why is Duke Energy perfect for a group meetup focused on sustainability and innovation?
Duke Energy has long been intertwined with innovation in the energy sector, making it a prime spot for groups focused on sustainability and technological advancement. The company has transitioned from its original hydroelectric dam roots to incorporating a broad portfolio including coal, nuclear, gas, and significant investments in renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind. This transformation epitomizes the current shift in energy industries towards cleaner, more sustainable alternatives. For a group meetup, this diversity in energy sources provides numerous discussion points and learning chances about the challenges and solutions in meeting growing energy demands while aiming to reduce environmental footprints.
Additionally, Duke Energy’s ventures into natural gas infrastructures and market trading reflect the complexities of managing energy resources in a competitive, deregulated landscape. Groups can delve into the strategic decisions and innovations behind energy generation and distribution, gaining a richer understanding of how the company balances economic goals with sustainability. The company's ambitious plans to evolve with technology advancements and environmental standards make it a living case study of corporate responsibility and innovation. This makes Duke Energy an ideal venue for forward-thinking groups aiming to explore real-world applications of sustainability principles and the future of energy.
How can groups engage with Duke Energy’s history and legacy?
Duke Energy’s legacy, dating back over a century, offers a fascinating narrative for groups interested in history, business evolution, or regional development. Originating in the early 1900s with hydroelectric projects along the Catawba River, the company grew through mergers, acquisitions, and expansions that mirrored the broader industrialization of the American Southeast. This history is not only about technology but also involves economic growth, societal changes, and the transformation of energy consumption habits. Groups can explore this rich timeline through historical archives, museum collections related to the company’s achievements, or interactive exhibits if available during visits or special events.
Significantly, Duke Energy’s founders and early investors, including James Buchanan Duke—famously successful in the tobacco industry—played a key role in shaping this infrastructure. Understanding how this family fortune was redirected into energy production provides insights into how industries can evolve and diversify. Storytelling about Duke Energy’s role in regional electrification, combating economic crises, and adapting to regulatory environments can stimulate engaging discussions within your group. Learning about the company’s challenges, such as labor disputes in mining operations or navigating the Great Depression, adds layers to the story that underscore resilience and adaptation.
What makes Duke Energy’s facilities interesting for a meetup?
The energy facilities operated by Duke Energy are impressive engineering feats and illustrate the evolution of energy generation technology. Visiting these facilities offers groups a tangible connection to the energy system that powers modern life. Hydroelectric dams, nuclear plants, and natural gas facilities each have their unique operational features and safety protocols, which can be explored during authorized tours. For example, hydroelectric stations highlight the use of natural forces for clean energy, while nuclear plants demonstrate cutting-edge engineering and safety standards. These locations are educational hotspots, where visitors can witness technology, environmental engineering, and industrial operations firsthand.
Moreover, visiting these facilities encourages discussion on energy policy, climate impact, and future technology trends. Group members can learn about how energy reliability and grid stability are maintained, the transition to greener alternatives, and the company’s approach to regulatory compliance. This immersion can make abstract energy concepts more concrete and relatable, fostering shared understanding through direct experience. Since these sites are generally secure and controlled environments, organizing group visits is feasible and can be informative and inspiring.
How can Duke Energy support team-building or social gatherings?
While Duke Energy is principally an energy provider and not a conventional event venue, it can support group gatherings through organized tours, workshops, and community events. These activities are conducive to team-building as they require collaboration, shared learning, and engagement with complex topics. Groups can use these experiences as opportunities to bond over common interests in science, technology, or environmental stewardship. Facilitated discussions or Q&A sessions with Duke Energy staff during visits can foster dialogue and collective problem-solving, enhancing group cohesion.
Additionally, participation in Duke Energy-sponsored community initiatives or sustainability programs can serve as social gatherings with a purpose. Contributing to local environmental efforts or educational outreach provides positive, shared goals for groups, strengthening relationships through teamwork and civic contribution. These meaningful activities leave a lasting impression beyond the meetup itself and promote a sense of accomplishment and unity connected to supporting broader social and environmental causes.
What considerations should groups keep in mind when planning a meetup at Duke Energy?
Groups interested in meeting at or engaging with Duke Energy should consider several key factors. First, due to the nature of energy facilities, visits typically require prior arrangement, including safety briefings and adherence to security protocols. It is important to coordinate with Duke Energy’s community relations or educational outreach departments well in advance to ensure availability and meet any requirements for participation. Second, since Duke Energy operates multiple sites and projects across different states, selecting the most accessible and relevant location for your group’s interests will optimize the experience.
Another important factor is the size and composition of the group. Because of safety and logistical constraints, large groups may need to be divided, or some venues may limit visitor numbers. The group’s specific interests should shape the agenda—for example, prioritizing renewable energy discussions or historical exploration. Lastly, preparing group members with background information about Duke Energy’s history, mission, and operations before the visit will enhance participation and engagement. By addressing these considerations, groups can choose the best format and timing for a meaningful and smooth meetup experience.
Duke Energy, despite its modest 1.8 rating by some consumer reviews, stands as a unique and educational place to rally with friends or family groups interested in the essential yet complex world of energy production and sustainability. Its historic significance, the scale of operations, and commitment to innovation offer numerous avenues for intellectual enrichment and community involvement, making it a distinctive option for group meetups beyond conventional social venues.