Prolonged cold weather across the Carolinas has led to increased energy use, according to Duke Energy. The company reports that temperatures have remained at or below freezing for several days, which is 10 to 20 degrees lower than usual for this period. This stretch of cold may be the longest since January 2018, with possible snow accumulation expected on Saturday.
Duke Energy states that heating systems are running longer as residents try to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, resulting in higher home energy consumption and potentially higher bills.
To help customers manage their costs during this period, Duke Energy is offering several tips and programs. Customers are encouraged to set thermostats to the lowest comfortable setting, seal leaks and insulate homes, use sunlight by opening blinds during the day and closing them at night, and operate ceiling fans clockwise to circulate warm air.
The company also highlights savings opportunities through its Smart Thermostat Rewards program. Participants can receive a $150 initial bill credit and $50 annually by enrolling a qualifying smart thermostat in Power Manager/EnergyWise Home. This program involves brief adjustments of up to four degrees in thermostat temperature during peak electricity demand periods.
Additionally, Duke Energy offers a Flex Savings Option (time-of-use rate), allowing customers to reduce costs by shifting some energy use to off-peak times.
Flexible billing options are available as well. These include Pick Your Due Date, which lets customers select their monthly bill due date; Due Date Extensions for those unable to pay on time; and Installment Plans for spreading out payments on past-due balances.
For those needing further assistance, resources such as the Payment Assistance Finder can help locate local organizations that offer utility bill support. The Share the Light Fund combines community and company contributions to assist qualifying customers with energy bills. Residents can also call 211 for connections to additional community resources.
Duke Energy serves 8.6 million electric utility customers across six states and operates 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve another 1.7 million customers in five states. The company continues investing in grid upgrades and cleaner generation sources while focusing on reliability and value during its transition toward a smarter energy future.
More information about winter energy savings is available at duke-energy.com/WinterEnergySavings.
