Duke Energy has announced several initiatives to help customers manage energy costs as colder weather increases demand for heating. January typically sees the highest energy use, with heating systems working harder to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.
The company is offering incentives for customers who enroll in specific programs. Customers who sign up with a qualifying smart thermostat can receive a $150 initial bill credit and an additional $50 annually by participating in efforts to reduce demand during peak times. These programs include EnergyWise Home for Duke Energy Progress customers and Power Manager for Duke Energy Carolinas customers.
Another option available is the Flex Savings Option, which allows customers to lower their energy bills by shifting their usage to off-peak hours through time-of-use rates.
Duke Energy also recommends several tips to help households save on winter energy costs: setting thermostats to the lowest comfortable setting, sealing leaks and adding insulation, changing air filters regularly, using sunlight by opening blinds during the day and closing them at night, and running ceiling fans clockwise to circulate warm air.
Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president, stated: “We want customers to feel supported and confident about their energy choices this winter. 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 Duke Energy, 520,000 customers in the Carolinas are already enrolled in Power Manager and EnergyWise Home programs that provide bill credits while saving energy.
Duke Energy serves 8.6 million electric utility customers across six states—North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky—and owns 55,100 megawatts of capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in five states. The company continues investing in grid upgrades and cleaner generation sources such as natural gas, nuclear power, renewables and storage as part of its ongoing transition toward a smarter energy future.
More information about these programs can be found at duke-energy.com/WinterEnergySavings.
