Why Duke Energy is Investing $1bn in US Energy Supply Chains

As electricity demand continues to rise across the US, Duke Energy is increasing its investments in domestic suppliers to help secure the equipment needed to support the country's energy network.

The strategy reflects a wider focus on strengthening energy supply chains, improving resilience and ensuring the utility can continue delivering reliable power to growing communities.

As utilities respond to rising demand, ageing infrastructure and an evolving energy landscape, securing dependable domestic manufacturing has become an increasingly important priority.

Powering the US's energy network

Duke Energy, one of the largest energy holding companies in the US, is headquartered in North Carolina.

The company supplies electricity to 8.7 million customers across North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, alongside gas services for 1.6 million customers.

To support future electricity needs, Duke Energy continues to modernise its network through infrastructure upgrades, new technologies and workforce expansion.

Alongside improving grid resilience amid increasing climate pressures, these investments are also helping create skilled jobs and deliver wider economic benefits.

During 2025, Duke Energy invested almost US$1bn with North Carolina-based suppliers, supporting manufacturers that produce critical equipment for the energy sector while helping strengthen the reliability of the company's operations.

Expanding its domestic supply chain has also reduced exposure to some of the market volatility experienced across global energy supply networks in recent years.

“Powering America’s future starts with investing in the people, businesses and communities building it,” says Katie Aittola, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain, Real Estate and Chief Procurement Officer for Duke Energy.

“By working with American suppliers, Duke Energy is helping deliver reliable service and value for customers while reinvesting customer dollars in the local economies we serve. ”

“By working with American suppliers, Duke Energy is helping deliver reliable service and value for customers while reinvesting customer dollars in the local economies we serve," Katie adds.

"These investments help ensure our teams have the equipment and materials they need, support American companies and skilled workers and create a ripple effect that strengthens manufacturing, jobs and long-term growth in our communities.”

Investing in critical energy infrastructure

Duke Energy says it could invest nearly US$5bn with North Carolina suppliers over the next five years as it continues expanding and reinforcing the infrastructure needed to meet growing electricity demand.

The company believes these investments will help build a more resilient energy system while creating additional economic opportunities throughout the region. Stronger local supply chains also provide greater certainty around access to essential equipment required to maintain and upgrade the grid.

"North Carolina's business community is strongest when companies invest in one another," explains N.C. Chamber President and CEO Gary Salamido.

"Duke Energy continues to lead by example, directing nearly US$1bn to North Carolina-based suppliers in 2025 alone. Investments like these strengthen communities, support local businesses and reinforce the supply chains and partnerships that power North Carolina's growth."

More than 97% of Duke Energy's annual sourcing, representing US$17.2bn, is currently directed towards US-based suppliers. The emphasis on domestic sourcing comes as supply chain security remains a key issue for the energy sector. US President Donald Trump has also prioritised reshoring manufacturing through tariffs designed to reduce dependence on overseas suppliers.

Among the companies benefiting from Duke Energy's investment are GE Vernova in Goldsboro, which supplies transformers, and Siemens Energy in Charlotte, which manufactures gas turbines used across the power network.

"We are proud to provide the critical transformers and other electrification equipment that enables Duke Energy to help the people of North Carolina thrive," says Troy Kabrich, GE Vernova Goldsboro site director.

"Supporting the communities we live and work in is an honour and a privilege we take seriously."

By investing in domestic manufacturers of essential grid equipment, Duke Energy is aiming to strengthen the resilience of the US energy system while maintaining reliable infrastructure and improving the availability of critical components.

The approach is intended to support customers, suppliers and the wider energy industry as demand and market conditions continue to evolve.