Duke Energy
Energy & Natural Resources · Lobbying Client
Duke Energy's Federal Lobbying Record
At $15.1M in disclosed federal lobbying, Duke Energy ranks as a major spender — well above the typical filer. Outlays in this range generally reflect a sustained presence in Washington, with at least one full-time government affairs lead and a stable of outside lobbyists engaged on the organization's priority issues.
Across the 5-year window from 2020 to 2024, Duke Energy's annual disclosed lobbying spend has declined modestly — from $3.3M in 2020 to $2.7M in 2024, a change of -17%. Step-changes of this size often coincide with major bills moving through Congress, regulatory rulemakings affecting the organization's industry, or a leadership change in the relevant committee.
Duke Energy's disclosed lobbying covers 5 general issue areas — a moderate footprint. Filers in this range tend to engage on a coherent cluster of related topics rather than spreading effort across the federal agenda.
3 of 10 lobbyists reported by Duke Energy (30%) disclose prior federal government service. That share is common at established government affairs operations that explicitly hire from agency and committee staff.
Among the named bench, lobbyists with disclosed prior federal service include Sally A. Painter (Former Chief of Staff, U.S. Senate); Brian T. Huseman (Former Deputy Assistant Secretary, HHS); Tony C. Podesta (Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense). The covered-position field on LDA cover sheets captures executive-branch and senior congressional roles held within the prior two years.
Within the Energy & Natural Resources sector, Duke Energy ranks #9 of 35 tracked organizations by disclosed lobbying spend. The sector leader is ExxonMobil at $46.5M; the sector average is $11.8M. Duke Energy's $15.1M sits 29% above the sector average.
Duke Energy's LobbySpend Influence Score of 57/100 (grade C) is the most common grade in the index — it covers organizations with established but moderate federal advocacy programs. The score combines disclosed total spend (40%), issue breadth (30%), and revolving-door connections (30%). A C-grade is typical of mid-size corporations and trade associations with steady quarterly filings on a focused issue set.
Every figure above is sourced from Senate lobbying disclosure filings submitted under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995. Per-issue dollar splits and covered-position flags are filer-reported and may be amended after initial submission.
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Annual Lobbying Spend
Policy Issues
Government Entities Contacted
Recent Filings
| Period | Registrant | Issues | Lobbyists | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Oct-Dec | Capitol Counsel | ENGTAXENV+2 | 2 | $658K |
| 2024 Jul-Sep | Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld | GOVENV | 2 | $782K |
| 2024 Apr-Jun | Van Scoyoc Associates | TAXENG | 2 | $685K |
| 2024 Jan-Mar | Jones Day | GOVENG | 1 | $727K |
| 2023 Oct-Dec | Stewart & Stewart | GOVENG | 4 | $819K |
| 2023 Jul-Sep | Van Scoyoc Associates | UTIGOV | 3 | $867K |
| 2023 Apr-Jun | Venable LLP | UTIENGENV+2 | 3 | $655K |
| 2023 Jan-Mar | Franklin Square Group | TAXENVUTI+1 | 2 | $590K |
Duke Energy Lobbying FAQ
Duke Energy has spent $15.1M on federal lobbying across 5 policy areas. This includes spending on registered lobbyists and direct government contacts.
Duke Energy lobbies on 5 policy issues, including Energy/Nuclear, Utilities, Environment/Superfund, Taxation. These disclosures are filed quarterly with the Senate Office of Public Records.
Duke Energy has an Influence Score of 57/100 (Grade C). This proprietary score is based on total lobby spend (40%), policy issue breadth (30%), and revolving door connections (30%).
Duke Energy employs 10 registered lobbyists, of whom 3 have revolving door connections, meaning they previously held government positions before becoming lobbyists.
Duke Energy has contacted 6 government entities as part of their lobbying activities, including U.S. Senate, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Dept of Justice.
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Lobbying data is sourced from quarterly Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings with the Senate Office of Public Records. Influence Scores combine total spend (40%), issue breadth (30%), and revolving door connections (30%). Filings may be amended after initial submission.