Duke Energy: The $1bn Investment Into US Supply Chains

Duke Energy is investing into American supply chains, aiming to serve growing communities and power local economies.

The company is prioritising domestic supply chains, developing resilience both within and without the organisation.

As global demand shifts, global organisations are working on their supply chain priorities – for Duke Energy, this lies in an American supply chain.

Growing local businesses

Duke Energy is one of America's largest energy holding companies, headquartered in North Carolina. It serves 8.7 million customers across North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky with its electric utilities, as well as 1.6 million customers with its gas utilities. 

Through regular upgrades, the company is working to be more resilient amid growing energy demands and climate volatility. By investing in new technologies, new equipment and a growing workforce, it is aiming to bring new jobs and greater economic benefits to its local communities and customers. 

In 2025, Duke Energy invested almost US$1bn into North Carolina-based suppliers, which contributed to the growth of local businesses and the reliability of its energy resources. Through developing a domestic supply chain, it has helped its clients avoid some of the volatility in the energy sector that has struck 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. 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 resilience

The company says it could invest nearly US$5bn into North Carolina suppliers over the next five years. This will be a step towards meeting the growing energy demand needs, while also strengthening local economies and driving new job opportunities. 

This helps empower the communities and create more resilience in the region. This could lead to further investments in other organisations and an increasingly growing economy.

"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."

At present, more than 97% of Duke Energy's annual sourcing – which adds up to US$17.2bn – goes towards US-based suppliers. This ensures a domestic supply chain, which has been vital in recent years. US President Donald Trump has a core focus on reshoring operations, having implemented tariffs in an attempt to reduce the reliance on foreign organisations. 

Duke Energy has invested in a series of suppliers, including GE Vernova in Goldsboro for its transformers and Siemens Energy in Charlotte for its gas turbines.

"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 honor and a privilege we take seriously."

Duke Energy is working to maintain availability of critical grid equipment, while supporting reliable infrastructure and strengthening the US supply chain. In doing so, it is helping itself, its suppliers and its customers as the market undergoes constant volatility.