Duke Energy 401(k) Plan
Charlotte, North Carolina
Duke Energy 401K plan details: employer match info, participant login access, withdrawal options, and full plan review. 2026 data with contacts, details...
Plan Analysis
Duke Energy, in the Utilities sector and headquartered in North Carolina, manages a 401(k) program with $11.3B in total plan assets across 26,616 active participants, established 65 years ago. Plan assets grew 8.8% year-over-year, reflecting solid investment returns and contributions. With an average balance of $423K per participant, this plan ranks well above the national median 401(k) balance of approximately $35,000. The employer contributed an average of $9,486 per active participant, equivalent to 39% of the 2026 employee deferral limit. Participants contributed an average of $12,717 each through employee deferrals. Outstanding participant loans of $141.6M represent 1.3% of plan assets. Distributions totaled $1.3B (11% of assets), reflecting normal retirement and separation activity.
How Duke Energy Compares
Comparison against 284 employer 401(k) plans in our database
| Metric | Duke Energy | Database Median | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. Balance per Participant | $423K | $140K | ▲ 203% above median |
| Employer Contribution per Participant | $9K | $3K | ▲ 174% above median |
| YoY Asset Growth | 8.8% | 12.9% | ▼ Below median |
| Total Assets vs. Utilities Sector | $11.3B | $6.4B | ▲ 77% above sector median |
Contact Information
Filing Information
EIN: 20-2777218
Plan Effective Date: 1959-07-01
Source: DOL Form 5500 (Latest Filings)
Duke Energy Stock (DUK)
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2026 Contribution Limits for Duke Energy 401(k)
| Category | Limit | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Employee Deferral | $24,500 | Standard elective deferral limit for all participants |
| Catch-Up (Age 50+) | +$8,000 | Additional contributions for participants age 50 and over (total: $32,500) |
| Super Catch-Up (Age 60-63) | +$11,250 | SECURE 2.0 enhanced catch-up for ages 60-63 (total: $35,750) |
| Total Annual Additions (415 Limit) | $72,000 | Maximum combined employee + employer contributions |
| Compensation Cap | $350,000 | Maximum compensation considered for contributions |
| Duke Energy Avg. Employee Deferral | $12,717 | 52% of the $24,500 limit (based on latest Form 5500 filing) |
| Duke Energy Avg. Employer Contribution | $9,486 | Employer contributes $252.5M total across 26,616 participants |
Duke Energy 401(k) Plan Details
Data from DOL Form 5500 (Latest Filings)
| Plan Name | Active Participants | Total Assets | Employer Contributions | Participant Contributions | 401(k) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DUKE ENERGY RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN | 26,616 | $11.3B | $252.5M | $338.5M | Yes |
Plan Type Details
Primary Plan: DUKE ENERGY RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN
Plan Types: DC (401(k)); DC (Money Purchase); DC (Target Benefit); DC (Other); Offset; 2O; DC (Stock Bonus); DC (Matching); DC (SIMPLE 401(k))
Funded By: Trust
Financial Summary
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Assets (Beginning of Year) | $10,354,065,000 |
| Total Assets (End of Year) | $11,269,744,000 |
| Employer Contributions | $252,470,000 |
| Participant Contributions | $338,468,000 |
| Total Distributions | $1,270,537,000 |
| Total Income (Gains/Losses) | $2,191,399,000 |
| Total Expenses | $1,275,720,000 |
| Outstanding Participant Loans | $141,558,000 |
Participant Breakdown
Plan Review & Rating
Based on 459 plan data ratings and analysis
Ratings are based on publicly available plan data, participant feedback, and industry benchmarks. Individual experience may vary. This is not financial advice. Data sourced from DOL Form 5500 filings.
People Also Ask About Duke Energy 401(k)
The Duke Energy 401(k) match competitiveness depends on the formula and vesting schedule. With $9,486 in employer contributions per active participant (a 75% employer-to-employee ratio), Duke Energy's match appears competitive with industry norms. Compare it with industry averages where the typical employer match is between 3-6% of salary. Review the specific match percentage and vesting timeline with your HR department.
Vesting schedules determine when employer match contributions fully belong to you. Common schedules include immediate vesting, 3-year cliff vesting, or 6-year graded vesting. At Duke Energy, with $252.5M in annual employer contributions across the plan, understanding your vesting timeline is critical before considering a job change. Contact Duke Energy HR for the exact vesting schedule.
Withdrawals from your Duke Energy 401(k) are generally available after age 59½, upon separation from service, disability, or financial hardship. The plan processed $1.3B in distributions during the last filing year. Early withdrawals before age 59½ may be subject to a 10% penalty plus income taxes. The Rule of 55 allows penalty-free withdrawals if you leave Duke Energy at age 55 or older.
Yes, you can roll over your Duke Energy 401(k) to a Traditional IRA (for pre-tax funds) or Roth IRA (for Roth 401(k) funds). With an average balance of $423K per participant, a direct rollover avoids the mandatory 20% withholding that applies to indirect rollovers. Contact your plan administrator or the receiving IRA custodian to initiate the transfer.
Many Fortune 500 companies, including Duke Energy, have auto-enrollment features. With 26,616 active participants and $338.5M in annual employee deferrals, the plan demonstrates strong participation. Auto-enrollment typically starts at 3-6% of salary with annual escalation. You can opt out or change your contribution rate at any time through the plan provider portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Duke Energy offers an employer match through their 401(k) plan. The latest filing shows $252.5M in employer contributions versus $338.5M in employee deferrals (a 75% ratio), consistent with a competitive match program. The exact match formula may vary by plan and employment status. Contact Duke Energy HR or your plan administrator for the specific match formula applicable to your situation.
You can access your Duke Energy 401(k) account through the plan provider's participant portal. The plan serves 26,616 active participants. If you're a current or former employee, use the login link above or contact the plan administrator at the phone number listed on this page. First-time users will need to register using their Social Security number and date of birth.
For 2026, Duke Energy 401(k) participants can contribute up to $24,500 in employee deferrals. Participants aged 50+ can contribute an additional $8,000 in catch-up contributions (total $32,500). Those aged 60-63 can make super catch-up contributions of $11,250 (total $35,750). Currently, Duke Energy participants contribute an average of $12,717 per year in employee deferrals. Employer contributions are separate from these limits.
Many Duke Energy 401(k) plans offer loan provisions. As of the latest filing, Duke Energy participants had $141.6M in outstanding loans (averaging $5,319 across participants with active loans). The IRS limits 401(k) loans to the lesser of $50,000 or 50% of your vested balance. With an average account balance of $423K in the Duke Energy plan, the maximum potential loan amount for a fully vested participant would vary accordingly. Check with your plan administrator for specific loan terms.
When you leave Duke Energy, you have several options for your 401(k): keep it in the plan (if the balance is over $7,000), roll it over to a new employer's plan, roll it to an IRA, or take a cash distribution (subject to taxes and potential penalties). In the most recent filing year, the plan processed $1.3B in distributions to departing or retired participants. Employer match contributions may be subject to a vesting schedule.
According to the most recent Form 5500 filing, the Duke Energy 401(k) plan has 26,616 active participants managing $11.3B in plan assets. The average account balance is $423K per participant, and the plan was originally established on N/A.
Many major employers, including Duke Energy, offer both traditional pre-tax and Roth after-tax 401(k) contribution options. Given that Duke Energy participants average $12,717 in annual deferrals, choosing between Roth and traditional depends on whether you expect your tax bracket to be higher or lower in retirement. Contact the Duke Energy plan administrator for availability.
The Duke Energy 401(k) plan typically offers a range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, actively managed funds, and potentially company stock. The plan generated $2.2B in total investment income during the last filing year. Log into your account to see current investment options and performance.
Duke Energy (DUK) may offer company stock as an investment option within the 401(k) plan. Be mindful of concentration risk — financial advisors typically recommend limiting company stock to no more than 10-15% of your portfolio, especially given that your employment income already depends on Duke Energy's performance.
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Disclaimer: Information on this page is sourced from public DOL Form 5500 filings and is provided for educational purposes only. This is not financial, tax, or investment advice. Plan details may have changed since the last filing. Always consult your plan administrator, HR department, or a qualified financial advisor for the most current information about your 401(k) plan. 401K.is is not affiliated with Duke Energy or their plan providers. Stock data for DUK is provided by Polygon.io and may be delayed.
Last updated: February 2026 | Data source: DOL Form 5500 (Latest Filings) | Filed: 2025-10-10