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Duke Energy Enhances Incentives for Energy Efficiency Programs

As winter descends on the Carolinas, Duke Energy is ramping up its financial incentives for both residential and business customers engaging in energy efficiency programs. This strategic shift, approved by the North Carolina Utilities Commission, was launched on January 1, 2025, allowing customers to save both energy and money during the colder months when energy usage typically spikes.

A New Opportunity for Savings

Kendal Bowman, the state president of Duke Energy North Carolina, emphasizes the importance of these programs as families prepare for the winter's colder temperatures, which can potentially lead to increased energy demand. The company has indeed doubled or even tripled many of its energy efficiency incentives, providing more significant financial rewards for customers who choose to implement energy-saving measures in their homes and businesses.

Residential Programs on the Rise

Duke Energy has bolstered its residential energy efficiency initiatives, enabling customers to gain better control over their energy consumption. Some highlights include:

• - Home Energy House Call: This free assessment program allows customers to analyze their energy use and discover ways to save. Eligible customers now receive customized energy efficiency products installed at no charge.
• - Smart $aver® Home Improvement Rebate: Customers making energy-efficient upgrades can receive rebates that have expanded significantly, with some incentives for HVAC and insulation now reaching $500, up from $350. Even better, pool pump incentives have tripled to $900.
• - Power Manager® and EnergyWise Home®: These programs encourage customers to opt for lower energy usage during peak hours. Participants may earn up to $150 upfront and an additional $50 per year, with extra incentives for water heater users.

Business Incentives Expanded

The same commitment to energy efficiency is reflected in the business sector, with Duke Energy raising energy efficiency and demand response incentives for its commercial customers. Notable changes include:

• - PowerShare®: This program has expanded capacity credits for large businesses, now providing $5 per kW reduced from energy usage.
• - EnergyWise Business: This parallel program for smaller enterprises has adjusted its incentives from $30 to $50 per average kW saved.
• - Overall, the business program incentive amounts have risen by an average of 20%-25% across the board, making it an ideal time for companies to assess their energy consumption habits.

Commitment to Assistance for Customers

In addition to enhancing incentives, Duke Energy recognizes its responsibility to support customers facing financial hardships. Updates to assistance programs for eligible customers include:

• - Weatherization: The incentives for this program have risen markedly, with HVAC replacement incentives now offering up to $8,000.
• - Income-qualified Demand Response Program: Electrical heat users who are eligible can obtain a free smart thermostat with incentives for energy savings up to $150.
• - Neighborhood Energy $aver: This program has also seen increased incentives aimed at assisting communities with lower income levels.

Moreover, Duke Energy continues to provide various resources for limited-income customers, such as the Customer Assistance Program (CAP), which offers monthly credits to eligible individuals, the Share the Light Fund®, and personalized payment installment plans to ease financial strain.

Tips to Cut Down on Winter Energy Bills

With the winter season upon us, Duke Energy encourages customers to actively manage their energy usage to achieve further savings. Simple adjustments like monitoring energy consumption and implementing low-cost or no-cost energy-saving strategies can make a notable difference. More resources are available on Duke Energy's Winter Energy Savings webpage, which offers practical tips and programs tailored for energy efficiency.

For further details on all programs and incentives, customers can visit the Duke Energy website and explore the full range of opportunities to save this winter. Duke Energy is dedicated to ensuring that its clients can maximize their energy efficiency while navigating these colder months efficiently, all while partaking in the journey toward a more sustainable future.