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Managing Winter Energy Bills with Duke Energy Florida

As winter sets in, Duke Energy Florida understands the challenges faced by its customers in managing increased energy usage during the colder months. January has brought extreme temperatures across the state, leading to higher-than-normal electricity bills. To combat this issue, Duke Energy Florida is proactively sharing various resources designed to help customers reduce both their energy usage and their bills.

Lower Rates and Support Programs

Despite the frigid temperatures, Duke Energy Florida has lowered its rates by nearly $10. This decrease may not be noticeable to many customers—especially with heating systems working overtime to maintain comfortable indoor environments.

Melissa Seixas, the state president of Duke Energy Florida, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting its customers: "We want to make sure they have the support they need to offset these costs and continue making sound, energy-efficient decisions in the year ahead."

The company offers a plethora of financial assistance programs aimed at easing the financial burden of winter energy expenses. Some key initiatives include:

• - Home Energy Checks: Customers can have free assessments of their home's energy efficiency, including personalized recommendations for improvement.
• - Home Improvement Rebate Programs: Homeowners can take advantage of rebates for energy-efficient upgrades, provided they first complete a Home Energy Check.
• - Income-Qualified Weatherization Program: Those qualifying under income guidelines can receive free installations of energy efficiency measures.
• - EnergyWise® Home Program: Customers can earn annual bill credits by agreeing to reduce their energy usage during peak demand times.
• - Time-of-Use Rate Program: This program offers reduced rates for customers who shift their energy consumption away from peak hours of three to six PM.
• - Budget Billing: This allows for predictable monthly bills, mitigating the impact of fluctuating energy usage.
• - Share the Light Fund®: A fund that provides assistance with electric bills through distributions from partnered agencies.

Practical Energy-Saving Tips

In addition to financial assistance, Duke Energy Florida recommends several low-cost or no-cost strategies customers can adopt to decrease their energy consumption during these cold months:

• - Thermostat Adjustment: Lowering the thermostat to the most comfortable setting can significantly reduce energy use. Even minor adjustments can lead to considerable savings.
• - Regular Maintenance: Changing air filters and maintaining heating systems boosts efficiency, directly impacting energy costs.
• - Water Heater Setting: Setting your water heater to 120 degrees can drastically lower energy use, particularly as water heating typically accounts for the second-largest expense in a household.
• - Sealing Leaks: Caulking and weatherstripping can save customers between 10% and 20% on heating and cooling costs by preventing air leaks.
• - LED Bulbs: Transitioning standard bulbs to LED can save a substantial amount over time, with just six LED replacements potentially yielding savings of up to $480 over their lifetime.

Cold Weather Impact on Energy Consumption

To better understand the influence of the weather on energy usage, let’s take a look at January statistics:

Tallahassee

• - Average temperature was 8.5 degrees colder than December, resulting in a 79% increase in heating energy usage compared to the previous month.

Orlando

• - An average temperature 7.5 degrees lower than December led to a 145% increase in energy usage for heating, compared to the month before.

St. Petersburg

• - With temperatures 6.8 degrees lower this January than in December, customers utilized 187% more energy for heating.

For customers seeking assistance deciphering their electric bills, Duke Energy provides an interactive tool that breaks down charges clearly, helping them understand their energy consumption in detail. Customers can access more resources and information by visiting Duke Energy's Here to Help and Seasonal Savings pages.

Conclusion

Duke Energy Florida is not only focused on meeting the energy demands of its customers but also committed to ensuring they have the resources necessary to navigate the challenges posed by extreme weather. The company’s initiatives not only aim to alleviate the financial strain on customers but also encourage responsible energy practices that can lead to long-term savings and sustainability.

Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, serves millions of customers with a mission centered on reliable and efficient energy solutions. As the company executes its ambitious clean energy transition, it emphasizes affordability and accessibility while maintaining environmental responsibility.