As winter temperatures drop, Duke Energy is offering programs and advice to help customers manage their energy use and control costs. The company notes that January is typically the highest month for energy consumption, as heating systems run more often to keep homes warm.
Duke Energy encourages customers to enroll in its smart thermostat program, which provides a $150 initial bill credit and an additional $50 annually for participating with a qualifying device. These incentives are available through the EnergyWise Home program for Duke Energy Progress customers and Power Manager for Duke Energy Carolinas customers.
Customers can also consider signing up for the Flex Savings Option rate, which allows them to lower energy bills by shifting usage to off-peak times.
Kendal Bowman, North Carolina president of Duke Energy, said: “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.”
The company recommends several practical steps for reducing winter energy costs: setting thermostats at the lowest comfortable temperature; sealing leaks and improving insulation; changing air filters regularly; using sunlight by opening blinds during the day; closing them at night; and running ceiling fans clockwise to circulate warm air.
According to Duke Energy, over 520,000 customers in the Carolinas already participate in Power Manager and EnergyWise Home programs.
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 is investing in grid upgrades and cleaner generation sources such as renewables, nuclear power and storage as part of its ongoing transition efforts.
More information on these programs can be found at duke-energy.com/WinterEnergySavings.
