Duke Energy is experiencing an increase in electricity demand, driven by factors like population growth in the Southeast, the expansion of data centers and the growth of advanced manufacturing.Duke Energy projects that load growth from 2027 to 2029 will jump to 3-4% from 1.5-2% within the next two years. To cater to the rising demand, the company has increased its five-year capital expenditure plan by 12% to $83 billion.Focus on Renewable Energy: Duke Energy has set ambitious goals to achieve net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050 and net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030. It is advancing solar procurement in the Carolinas and Florida. The company aims to have 1.5 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity in service annually, starting in 2027, in the Carolinas. It also targets 900 megawatts (MW) of solar additions in Florida MYRP during 2025-2027.In order to supply dispatchable power to its expanding regions, DUK is incorporating natural gas.