As high temperatures and heat alerts affect the Carolinas and much of the eastern United States, Duke Energy has provided advice for customers seeking to manage energy use during the ongoing heat wave.
The company recommends setting thermostats to the highest comfortable level, noting that air conditioning systems will work harder as outdoor temperatures rise, even if thermostat settings remain unchanged. Other suggestions include using cooler water when washing clothes, running heat-producing appliances in the morning, closing curtains and blinds on sunny sides of homes, and operating ceiling fans in a counterclockwise direction during summer months.
Duke Energy also offers several programs to help customers save energy and money. The Home Energy House Call provides a free home energy assessment, including an efficiency kit and personalized recommendations. Rebates are available through the Smart $aver program for equipment upgrades such as HVAC systems, water heaters, pool pumps, and attic insulation.
Customers can participate in demand response programs like Power Manager or EnergyWise Home by enrolling their smart thermostats. These programs provide bill credits for shifting energy use to periods of lower demand.
For those needing assistance with payments, Duke Energy provides installment payment plans and collaborates with local and state agencies to connect qualified customers with resources such as the Share the Light Fund and Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. A Payment Assistance Finder tool is available online to help locate support based on zip code.
Duke Energy serves 8.6 million electric customers across six states—North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky—and 1.7 million natural gas customers in five states. The company is currently investing in grid modernization efforts and cleaner generation sources including renewables, nuclear power, natural gas, and energy storage (https://www.duke-energy.com/our-company/about-us).
More information about savings tips is available at duke-energy.com/SummerSavings.
“Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage.”
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