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Duke Energy Offers Essential Tools for Customers Amid Extreme Heat

As summer settles into its final stretch, heat waves continue to impact regions across the United States, particularly in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. With temperatures soaring into the mid-90s this week, Duke Energy has stepped forward to remind customers of the essential tools and resources available to track energy use and find financial assistance if needed.

Rising Energy Consumption

The National Weather Service predicts that temperatures could feel even hotter, tipping the scales at 100 degrees or more in certain areas, which can lead to a spike in electricity usage. According to reports from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, July 2026 marked the hottest month on record for the contiguous United States, triggering significant increases in air conditioning activity across southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky. The warmer the weather gets, the harder air conditioning units have to work to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, leading to higher energy consumption. For instance, an outdoor temperature of 98 degrees forces an air conditioning system to close a 26-degree temperature gap, which requires extended run times and, consequently, more energy.

Tools for Monitoring Energy Usage

To support its customers, Duke Energy offers the Usage Alerts feature. By enrolling in usage alerts, customers receive timely updates via text or email midway through their billing cycle. This notification provides insights into current energy consumption, along with a projected bill estimate based on their current usage rate. Such timely information allows users to make modifications to their energy habits before the end of the billing period, potentially reducing their costs.

Energy Savings Tips

Additionally, Duke Energy recommends several no-cost to low-cost methods that customers can adopt to save energy during this oppressive heat:

• - Adjust the Thermostat: Set it to the highest comfortable temperature. A small change can significantly reduce the load on cooling systems.
• - Wash Laundry in Cool Water: This not only saves energy but also helps keep homes cooler.
• - Cook Smart: Utilize ovens or stovetops during cooler morning or evening hours, opting for alternatives like air fryers, slow cookers, or outdoor grills during peak heat times.
• - Control Sunlight: Keep drapes and blinds closed on hot, sunny days to avoid unnecessary heating of living spaces.
• - Use Ceiling Fans: Operating ceiling fans in a counterclockwise direction helps circulate cool air more effectively.

Assistance for Customers in Need

Recognizing the financial strain that rising temperatures can impose, Duke Energy has made various resources available for customers who may need help with their bills. These resources include:

• - Payment Assistance Finder: A free online tool that directs customers to local assistance programs via a simple ZIP code search.
• - Flexible Payment Options: Installment plans can be arranged for those needing time to pay their bills, and customers can select their preferred bill due date each month to better manage their finances.

Customers are encouraged to reach out to Duke Energy for more information on their Summer Energy Solutions webpage, which is filled with tips, tools, and assistance resources tailored to help them through this hot weather.

Commitment to Customer Support

Amy Spiller, president of Duke Energy Ohio & Kentucky, affirmed the company's dedication to assisting customers during extreme heat episodes. She said, "Hot summers, particularly during stretches of extreme heat like we're expecting this week, can lead to higher energy use for many households. We want customers to know we're here to assist, whether that's through tools that explain energy usage or by connecting them with assistance resources when they need additional support."

Duke Energy remains a vital provider of electric services, catering to over 910,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers across a 3,000-square-mile area while also providing natural gas services to over half a million customers in neighboring regions. As one of the largest energy holding companies in America, Duke Energy is actively pursuing an energy modernization strategy that aims to enhance customer value and bolster infrastructure.

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