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Understanding Your Energy Bill This Summer

As we step into the peak summer heat, with temperatures in the Carolinas soaring into the mid-90s, many residents are left wondering why their energy bills seem to skyrocket during these hot days. In response to this common concern, Duke Energy has introduced an innovative solution called Bill Insights, powered by artificial intelligence, to help customers demystify the factors contributing to their energy costs.

What is Bill Insights?

The newly launched feature, available via the Duke Energy mobile app, delivers personalized, easily digestible explanations regarding monthly energy charges. It breaks down how much energy usage is influenced by weather conditions, compares current usage against past months, and highlights what exactly is shaping their bills. This feature is particularly timely, as residents brace themselves for rising energy demands during the hottest months of the year.

According to Sasha Weintraub, Duke Energy's executive vice president and chief customer officer, “Our customers want to better understand what’s behind their energy bills. Bill Insights offers an easy-to-understand, plain-language look at what's driving each month’s bill.” This initiative is the first phase of a broader plan to enhance customer understanding by providing clearer insights tailored to their usage patterns.

Why Are Energy Costs Higher in Summer?

One of the most frequent questions posed to Duke Energy every summer is, “Why is my bill higher?” The answer often lies in the magnitude of cooling required. As outdoor temperatures rise, air conditioning units must work harder to maintain indoor comfort levels. For instance, setting the thermostat to 72 degrees when the outside temperature is only 82 degrees means the system only has to bridge a 10-degree gap. However, when the outside temperature reaches 98 degrees, that gap widens to 26 degrees, resulting in the air conditioning system working significantly longer and consuming more energy.

Recent data indicated that cooling degree days—a measure used by the National Weather Service to indicate how much cooling is needed—were notably elevated compared to historical averages for the summers of 2024 and 2025. This uptick means residential air conditioning systems have been operating longer and utilizing more energy to combat the heat.

Moreover, humidity exacerbates the situation. Throughout the Carolinas, average dew points can rise about 25 degrees from early spring to mid-summer, forcing air conditioning units, which also work to remove moisture, to run at full capacity. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30% and 50%, but that can be a challenging target when the temperature soars.

Practical Tips for Managing Summer Energy Use

For customers looking to manage energy expenses, Duke Energy provides a variety of practical tips:

1. Adjust the Thermostat: Raise your thermostat to the highest comfortable setting when at home and consider adjusting it further while away. Using ceiling fans can create the sensation of being cooler, negating the need to overuse the AC.
2. Consider Dehumidifiers: A stand-alone dehumidifier can help alleviate some of the moisture-removal workloads from your AC unit, allowing it to run more efficiently.
3. Watch for Usage Alerts: Sign up for mid-billing cycle usage alerts that notify you of projected energy costs to avoid end-of-month surprises.
4. Home Energy Assessments: Schedule a free home energy assessment with Duke Energy to identify areas where conditioned air may be escaping, like attics or ducts.
5. Explore Efficiency Rebates: Look into Duke Energy’s Smart $aver® rebates for HVAC improvements and other energy-efficient upgrades, which can offset the costs of managing energy loads.

As we embrace mid-summer heat, understanding the implications of our energy usage becomes increasingly critical. Duke Energy's Bill Insights represent a significant step in empowering customers with the knowledge to navigate their energy expenses wisely. For more resources and tips, visit duke-energy.com/SummerSolutions.

Duke Energy continues to innovate its services to ensure customer satisfaction while transitioning towards an energy-efficient future. The company holds a significant presence in the energy sector, serving 8.7 million customers across several states. With ongoing initiatives focused on sustainability and modernization, Duke Energy remains committed to enhancing customer experience and understanding.