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Energy Savings Tips from Duke Energy as Winter Approaches

With the coldest air of the season expected in the coming week, Duke Energy is stepping up its support for customers across the Carolinas by providing essential tips and strategies to optimize energy usage, all while keeping heating costs manageable. As temperature averages plummet, it is vital for families and businesses to stay informed and equipped to handle their energy needs effectively.

Empowering Customers to Save

Duke Energy emphasizes the importance of taking control of energy consumption, especially during peak winter months. Their energy efficiency programs have seen customer savings exceeding $1 billion since 2019, showcasing the significant benefits of proactive energy management. By participating in these initiatives, customers can become more energy-efficient, which is particularly crucial when temperatures continue to dip below normal.

Key Takeaways for Energy Management

1. Personalized Usage Alerts: Customers can receive notifications when their energy usage trends higher than usual, empowering them to take corrective actions before costs escalate.
2. Comprehensive Usage Dashboards: Duke Energy offers user-friendly dashboards that allow individuals to track their energy consumption daily, weekly, or monthly, helping them identify patterns and potential savings opportunities.

Practical Actions for Increased Savings

• - Adjust Your Thermostat: Set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting to save money without compromising warmth. Each degree lower can lead to substantial savings on heating bills.
• - Seal and Insulate: Block cold drafts and retain heat by sealing leaks and improving insulation in your home, which can drastically cut down on energy usage.
• - Regular Maintenance: Ensure your heating system is professionally serviced. Routine checkups promote efficient operation, extend the system's lifespan, and prevent unexpected failures.
• - Filter Change: Periodically change your air filters. Clean filters improve airflow and reduce energy consumption through more efficient operation of your heating system.
• - Harness the Sun's Heat: On sunlit days, open curtains to let in natural warmth and close them at night to trap heat indoors.
• - Ceiling Fan Usage: Reverse your ceiling fans to push warm air downwards in the winter, creating a more comfortable environment.

Customer-Centric Energy Programs

Duke Energy prioritizes customer support through several initiatives designed to foster energy efficiency:

• - Free Home Energy Assessments: Customers can receive a complimentary energy efficiency kit, which includes a personalized usage report and expert suggestions for immediate energy savings.
• - Rebates on Upgrades: Through the Smart $aver program, customers can save on energy-efficient installations and insulation improvements.
• - Bill Credits for Smart Participation: By enrolling their smart thermostat and water heater into Power Manager® or EnergyWise® Home, residents can receive payment incentives for shifting energy use to off-peak hours.
• - Assistance for Income-Qualified Customers: Programs are available for income-eligible households to receive free energy efficiency upgrades, such as insulation and HVAC repairs, to lower their bills and enhance comfort throughout the year.

For more tips and information on how to take advantage of these offerings, customers are encouraged to visit duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings.

Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the largest energy holding companies in America, serving millions of customers across multiple states. By focusing on a smart energy future, the company is committed to advancing its energy transition while ensuring customer reliability and satisfaction remain top priorities. Find out more by visiting Duke Energy's website and follow them on social media for updates and insights into their initiatives.