Duke Energy is offering several programs and tips to help customers manage energy costs as colder weather increases demand for heating. January typically sees the highest energy use, with heating systems running more often to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.
Customers can enroll in Duke Energy’s smart thermostat program, which provides a $150 initial bill credit and an additional $50 annually for reducing energy usage during peak times. Programs available include EnergyWise Home for Duke Energy Progress customers and Power Manager for Duke Energy Carolinas customers.
The company also promotes its Flex Savings Option, a time-of-use rate that allows participants to lower their bills by shifting when they use electricity.
To further assist with savings, Duke Energy recommends setting thermostats to the lowest comfortable setting, sealing leaks and adding insulation, changing air filters regularly, using sunlight to heat homes during the day by opening blinds or curtains, closing them at night, and operating ceiling fans clockwise to circulate warm air.
“We want customers to feel supported and confident about their energy choices this winter,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “Programs and solutions like Power Manager, EnergyWise Home and Flex Savings Option, along with following simple energy-saving tips, make it easier to manage energy use and find ways to save.”
According to the company, over 520,000 customers in the Carolinas are already participating in these programs and receiving bill credits while saving on their energy use.
Duke Energy serves approximately 8.6 million electric utility customers across six states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. The company owns about 55,100 megawatts of capacity and also delivers natural gas service to 1.7 million customers in five states. The company is working on modernizing its grid infrastructure and expanding clean generation options such as renewables and energy storage.
More details about these programs can be found at duke-energy.com/WinterEnergySavings.
