Easy summer energy-efficiency tips to keep your bill cool

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy, based in Charlotte, N.C., is offering customers low- to no-cost energy efficiency tips to help manage higher energy bills during the summer. With energy use expected to rise, the company suggests practical steps like changing air filters, adjusting thermostats, and using ceiling fans. Additionally, customers can utilize smart meters to track daily energy usage and receive alerts about their bills. Duke Energy aims for significant carbon reductions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050, reinforcing its commitment to a sustainable energy future.

Positive

• Duke Energy offers customers practical energy-saving tips and tools at little to no cost.
• Utilization of smart meters allows for better tracking of energy usage, helping customers manage bills.
• The company is on track to meet clean energy goals, including a 50% carbon reduction by 2030.

Negative

• None.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Summer means rising temperatures, and Duke Energy is helping customers save with easy, low- to no-cost do-it-yourself projects and tips to prepare for summer's heat.

"We typically see energy use spike in the summer since air conditioning is one of the biggest energy users in your home," said Barbara Higgins, Duke Energy senior vice president and chief customer officer. "We offer free programs, tools and tips to help customers track and manage their energy use, so they can take control and avoid billing surprises."

Low- to no-cost energy efficiency tips

High temperatures can lead to higher energy usage and bills as people try to stay cool. Below are some tips to help manage your energy use.

• Change air filters regularly. A dirty air filter makes an HVAC system work harder, which uses more energy.
• Set your thermostat at the highest comfortable setting. The smaller the difference between the inside and outside temperatures, the lower your energy usage and bill will be.
• Close blinds, drapes and curtains during the hottest part of the day. Keeping your blinds, drapes and curtains closed will help prevent the sun's rays from heating your house.
• Use a ceiling fan in occupied rooms to supplement your air conditioning. Make sure the fans are set to operate in a counterclockwise direction to push cool air down into living spaces. 
• Grill outdoors. Using your electric oven and stovetop creates a lot of indoor heat. Help save energy by firing up the grill outdoors or prepare meals that don't require cooking. 
• Turn off unnecessary lights. Be sure to turn off lights when you leave a room. Lights emit heat and cause your air conditioning system to work harder.

5 easy energy efficiency projects for your home

Sealing air leaks and installing faucet aerators will help you save money by using less energy. These tips and videos will show you how with step-by-step instructions. And, if you have a home improvement project that requires a contractor, Find It Duke can provide free referrals.  

• Install switch and outlet seals. Cooled air that escapes means your home's cooling system works harder. Installing seals behind electric switches and outlets on exterior walls helps keep the cool air in, and warm air out. Video and b-roll
• Apply weatherstripping to doors. Keep cooled air inside your home with self-adhesive weatherstripping on door frames. Video and b-roll
• Caulk around windows and doors. Applying a bead of caulk around windows and doors is a simple way to keep cool air inside. Video and b-roll
• Replace showerhead. You can reduce the amount of water you use by about 30% after replacing your showerhead with a low-flow model. This energy saving feature saves water, of course, but also cuts down on energy usage if you have an electric water heater. Video and b-roll
• Install a faucet aerator. An aerator on the kitchen faucet will use less water, conserve energy and lower your energy costs. Video and b-roll

Track, manage your energy usage

Customers can also easily track and adjust their usage all summer long.

• Customers with smart meters can check online to view their daily usage. Smart meters collect usage information by the hour, so checking spikes throughout the month – by day and even hour – can show what appliances and behaviors are increasing their bills. Video and b-roll available here.
• Duke Energy customers with smart meters also receive usage alerts through email and/or text halfway through their billing cycle, well before their bill arrives, with their current usage amount and a projection of what their final monthly bill could be.
• Customers can also set budget alerts, so they know when their bill reaches a specific dollar amount of their choosing, allowing them to adjust their usage and help save money on their bill.
• Customers without smart meters can sign up to receive high bill alerts for when adverse weather is projected to increase their electric bills by at least 30 percent and $30 compared to historical usage.

Other energy-saving programs, tips and guidance to help you manage higher energy bills that can result from increased energy is available at Duke-Energy.com/Summer.

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 7.9 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 51,000 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 27,500 people.

Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy strategy to create a smarter energy future for its customers and communities – with goals of at least a 50 percent carbon reduction by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The company is a top U.S. renewable energy provider, on track to operate or purchase 16,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2025. The company also is investing in major electric grid upgrades and expanded battery storage, and exploring zero-emitting power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.

Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2021 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "America's Best Employers" list. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and other materials. 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: Meghan Miles
Media line: 800.559.3853
Twitter: @DE_MeghanM

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SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

What are Duke Energy's summer energy-saving tips?

Duke Energy suggests changing air filters, adjusting thermostats, using ceiling fans, closing blinds, and grilling outdoors to manage energy usage.

How can customers track their energy usage with Duke Energy?

Customers with smart meters can view daily usage online and receive alerts to help manage their energy consumption.

What are Duke Energy's goals for carbon reduction?

Duke Energy aims for at least a 50% carbon reduction by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

When was the press release issued for Duke Energy's energy-saving tips?

The press release was issued on June 10, 2021.

What is the stock symbol for Duke Energy?

The stock symbol for Duke Energy is DUK.