Duke Energy programs offer relief from high cooling costs this summer

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy is implementing various programs to assist customers in managing energy bills amid rising fuel costs that have surged over threefold since mid-2021. The company's initiatives include Flexible Payment Plans, Budget Billing Plans, and energy efficiency programs to aid customers in reducing energy usage. Duke Energy is focusing on a diverse fuel mix and long-term contracts to shield customers from fluctuating energy prices. The company aims to relieve customer financial burdens while pursuing a clean energy transition, targeting net-zero emissions by 2050.

Positive

• Duke Energy's diverse fuel mix includes nuclear, solar, and hydro, helping to manage costs.
• Implementation of Flexible Payment Plans and Budget Billing Plans provides customers with financial relief options.
• Energy efficiency programs like the Home Energy House Call offer valuable resources to customers, including free kits and assessments.

Negative

• The significant increase in fuel costs may lead to higher energy bills for customers despite the company's efforts.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The warm days of summer are here, which means it is a prime time for a combination of outdoor activities and the cool comfort of indoors.

Duke Energy is offering a wide array of programs and plans to help customers reduce energy usage and manage their bills.

Since mid-2021, costs for fuels used to produce energy have more than tripled. Duke Energy does not profit from these increased costs, and the company proactively takes measures to insulate customers from these spikes. These steps include negotiating long-term fuel contracts and maintaining a diverse fuel mix, including nuclear, solar and hydro, for power generation.

"With the price of everything going up right now, we want to relieve the impact on our customers as much as possible," said Larry Hatcher, senior vice president of customer experience and services. "We offer a variety of programs ranging from payment flexibility to financial assistance that will help our customers who may be grappling with higher bills."

Payment options

Two payment options include Flexible Payment Plans and the Budget Billing Plan.  Payment plans allow residential customers to pay their balance over a more protracted period. Options are available for customers who either need a few extra days or require a more extended installment plan to catch up. 

The Budget Billing Plan is a free and popular option for customers who like to know what to expect each month. It provides predictable monthly energy bills to help customers with their household budgeting.

Energy efficiency

There are several programs to improve a home's energy efficiency for customers hoping to take proactive measures to keep their energy bills manageable.

Customers who have an email on file and a smart meter receive a mid-cycle Usage Alert to provide a mid-month view of their current usage to date and a projection of their monthly bill at their current rate of usage. They can also access daily usage through their online account profile. These tools are intended to give customers insight and control over their energy use.

The Home Energy House Call is a free program for eligible Duke Energy homeowners (In Florida, the program is called a Home Energy Check). Customers receive a free assessment detailing steps they can take to increase efficiency and lower their energy bill and a free kit with energy-saving products valued at over $180.  

In most Duke Energy territories, customers can find savings at the company's online store at duke-energy.com. It offers energy-efficient fixtures such as thermostats, lighting and faucets. Also on the website, customers can discover rebate offers for making energy-saving home improvements.

Income-qualified programs

To help connect our customers in need of assistance, Duke Energy partners with community and state agencies to help those who qualify access Duke Energy and federally funded assistance programs. Programs and eligibility vary by service territory, so customers can find more information by visiting duke-energy.com or calling our customer care center.

• The Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) covers heating- and cooling-related crises and is available throughout the year.
• The Weatherization Program helps income-qualified customers save energy and reduce expenses through energy conservation measures like weatherstripping and HVAC repairs or replacements.
• The Helping Home Fund is offered to income-qualified applicants in several Duke Energy operations territories. It provides in-home energy assessments and improvements such as replacing appliances and HVAC repairs up to $800.
• The Neighborhood Energy Saver Program is also available to income-qualified customers to help them lower their energy bills through in-home energy assessments.
• The Duke Energy Share the Light Fund also assists qualifying customers struggling to pay their energy bills. Employees, customers and Duke Energy shareholders contribute to these funds, which the Duke Energy Foundation matches.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 28,000 people.

Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business and at least a 50% carbon reduction from electric generation by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The 2050 net-zero goals also include Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 emissions. In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.

Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2022 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "America's Best Employers" list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Media contact: Keith Richardson
800.559.3853

 

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SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

What programs does Duke Energy offer to help customers manage energy bills?

Duke Energy offers Flexible Payment Plans, Budget Billing Plans, and energy efficiency programs to assist customers with managing their energy bills.

How has Duke Energy responded to rising fuel costs?

Duke Energy has implemented long-term fuel contracts and maintains a diverse fuel mix to mitigate customer exposure to rising fuel costs.

What is Duke Energy's goal for emissions reductions?

Duke Energy aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, including a 50% reduction in carbon emissions from electric generation by 2030.

What kind of assistance is available for income-qualified customers?

Duke Energy partners with agencies to provide assistance programs for income-qualified customers, including the Crisis Intervention Program and Helping Home Fund.

Where can customers find more information about Duke Energy's programs?

Customers can visit duke-energy.com or contact the customer care center for more information on programs and assistance.