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Prepare for Winter with Duke Energy's Community Assistance

As the winter solstice approaches this weekend, Duke Energy is committed to supporting its customers in South Carolina by offering a range of programs aimed at reducing energy costs and improving home efficiency. Understanding that energy consumption varies between households, Duke Energy tailors solutions to meet the diverse needs of its customers, ensuring everyone has access to effective energy management tools.

Free Home Energy Assessment

One of the standout offerings is the Home Energy House Call program, available at no cost to Duke Energy customers. Participants can opt for an in-home or virtual assessment, where energy specialists will evaluate their homes and provide personalized recommendations to enhance energy efficiency. Not only will customers receive a comprehensive energy usage report, but they will also be provided with a free energy efficiency kit containing helpful tools and tips.

Smart $aver® Rebate Programs

In conjunction with the Home Energy House Call, Duke Energy encourages customers to take part in their Smart $aver® home improvement rebate programs. By insulating and sealing their homes before winter temperatures set in, residents can effectively trap warmth indoors and reduce heating costs. These initiatives not only promote comfort but also yield significant savings on energy bills, especially during peak winter months.

Flex Savings Option

For those looking to actively manage their energy consumption, the Flex Savings Option offers a time-of-use rate structure. This program empowers customers to lower their energy costs by shifting their electricity usage to off-peak hours. Thanks to smart meter technology, customers can effortlessly monitor their energy habits and make informed decisions regarding when to use energy-intensive appliances.

Usage Alerts and Monitoring

Duke Energy customers can also benefit from Usage Alerts, which provide real-time updates on electricity consumption midway through the billing cycle. With these alerts, customers can track their usage patterns by the hour, day, or week. By being aware of spikes in energy consumption, they can adjust their behaviors and save money on their bills.

Additional Energy-Saving Tips

Alongside these programs, Duke Energy suggests various low- to no-cost strategies that homeowners can implement this winter:

• - Lower Thermostat Settings: Reducing your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting can significantly decrease heating costs. Just a few degrees could substantially ease the strain on heating systems while benefiting your wallet.
• - Air Filter Maintenance: Regularly changing air filters and performing routine maintenance on heating systems can enhance operational efficiency, leading to further savings.
• - Utilize Natural Heat: Keep drapes or blinds open during the day to let sunlight naturally warm your home, then close them at night to maintain insulation.
• - Seal Drafts: Apply caulking and weatherstripping to seal cracks around windows, doors, and vents to decrease heating expenditures by up to 20%.
• - Switch to LEDs: Replacing standard light bulbs with LED options can result in substantial savings. For instance, converting just six frequently used bulbs can save up to $480 over their lifetime.
• - Adjust Ceiling Fans: Operating ceiling fans in a clockwise direction can help distribute warm air throughout the room. Just remember to turn them off when you're not present, as they primarily circulate air rather than provide heat.
• - Manage Water Heating: Setting your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit can cut down on your second largest energy expense at home.

For those seeking further details on winter energy savings, Duke Energy has curated resources available on their Winter Energy Savings webpage. With a commitment to supporting its customers, Duke Energy continues to lead the charge in energy efficiency and cost-saving solutions for South Carolinians as they face the challenges of winter.

Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, serves a vast customer base across several states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. The company is dedicated to an ambitious clean energy transition plan that emphasizes reliability, affordability, and sustainability, with goals set for net-zero emissions by 2050.

For further inquiries, South Carolina residents can reach out to Duke Energy at 800-559-3853 for assistance and more information about these energy-saving initiatives.