Helping households manage energy costs and improve efficiency through various assistance programs.
Duke Energy, a leading energy company, provides various assistance programs for low-income households to help alleviate financial burdens and improve energy efficiency. One such program is the energy bill assistance program, which offers credits to customers who struggle to pay their energy bills. For instance, in 2024, Duke Energy provided nearly $90 million in energy bill assistance to North Carolina customers. This program not only helps households in paying their energy bills but also encourages energy conservation and efficiency. Another program offered by Duke Energy is the weatherization program, which aims to improve the energy efficiency of homes. The program provides financial assistance to households to make necessary repairs and upgrades to their homes, such as installing insulation, sealing air leaks, and upgrading to energy-efficient windows. For example, a household may receive funding to install solar panels or energy-efficient appliances. The weatherization program not only reduces energy consumption but also helps households save on their energy bills. Additionally, the program provides free home energy assessments, which enable households to identify areas of energy inefficiency and take corrective action. This program is especially beneficial for low-income households, which often face significant energy bills and may not have the financial resources to invest in energy-efficient upgrades. The energy assessment program, also known as the Energy Audits program, is another valuable resource offered by Duke Energy.
Energy-efficient upgrades for income-qualified customers.
The program provides financial assistance to help customers pay for energy-efficient upgrades to their homes. The incentives are based on the amount of energy saved, and the amount of energy saved is calculated using the Home Energy Audit (HEA) tool. The HEA tool assesses the home’s energy efficiency and provides a personalized report outlining the recommended energy-efficient upgrades. The incentives are available to customers who meet the income eligibility criteria and have a low credit score.
Weatherization Program Details
The weatherization program is designed to help income-qualified customers reduce their energy expenses by providing financial assistance for energy-efficient upgrades to their homes. The program is free and available to customers who meet the income eligibility criteria and have a low credit score.
How the HEA Tool Works
The Home Energy Audit (HEA) tool is a free online tool that assesses the energy efficiency of a home and provides a personalized report outlining the recommended energy-efficient upgrades.
Benefits of the Program
The income-qualified demand response program offers several benefits to electric heat customers. These benefits include:
How the Program Works
The program works by installing a smart thermostat at no cost to the customer. The smart thermostat is designed to optimize energy use by shifting energy consumption during peak demand periods. Customers will receive incentives in the form of bill credits for shifting energy use during these periods. The smart thermostat is programmed to learn the customer’s energy usage patterns and adjust the temperature accordingly. The thermostat is connected to the customer’s energy usage data and can detect when energy use is high. When energy use is high, the thermostat will adjust the temperature to reduce energy consumption.
Eligibility and Application Process
To be eligible for the program, customers must meet certain income requirements. These requirements vary by utility company and location. Customers can check with their local utility company to determine the specific eligibility requirements. Customers must have a qualifying income level, which is typically set by the utility company. Customers must have a smart thermostat installed in their home. Customers must agree to participate in the program and follow the program’s rules and guidelines. By installing a smart thermostat at no cost and providing incentives for shifting energy use during peak demand periods, the program can help reduce energy bills, increase energy efficiency, and improve comfort and convenience.
The North Carolina Department of Energy, Utilities and the Environment (NCDOE) has been working to provide relief to low-income households struggling with energy costs.
The Need for Energy Assistance
Energy costs can be a significant burden for low-income households, particularly in North Carolina. The state’s energy prices are among the highest in the country, making it challenging for families to afford basic necessities like heating and cooling. According to the NCDOE, in 2022, over 1.3 million households in North Carolina struggled with energy costs, with many facing the risk of disconnection due to non-payment. Key statistics: + Over 1.3 million households in North Carolina struggled with energy costs in 2022.
Share the Light Fund – assistance for customers who need help paying their energy bill. Installment Plans – customized payment plans to break down charges into more manageable installments, helping make larger amounts more manageable. Other Ways to Save: Duke Energy’s usage alerts and low- to no-cost tips can help customers save energy and money by providing them the tools they need to make informed decisions for their household energy use. Track your energy usage and making small adjustments within your home or business can help unlock energy savings. Reduce your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting – the lower the temperature, the more you can save.
Add insulation to your attic, walls and floors to reduce heat loss.
Energy Efficiency Measures for Your Home
As the second-largest consumer of energy in your home, water heating is a significant contributor to your overall energy expenditure. However, there are several steps you can take to reduce your energy consumption and lower your utility bills.
Simple Changes for a Big Impact
Making a few simple changes to your home can have a significant impact on your energy consumption. Here are some easy and cost-effective ways to get started:
Harnessing the Power of LEDs for Energy Efficiency and Savings.
Energy Efficiency and Savings
LEDs are a significant step forward in energy efficiency, offering a range of benefits that make them an attractive option for households and businesses. Here are some key advantages of using LEDs:
How LEDs Work
LEDs work by converting electrical energy into light energy through a process called electroluminescence. This process involves the flow of electrons through a semiconductor material, which releases energy in the form of photons.
The Science Behind LEDs
Duke Energy’s business model is built on a diversified portfolio of energy sources, including natural gas, coal, nuclear, and renewable energy sources.
The Company’s Diversified Portfolio
Duke Energy’s business model is built on a diversified portfolio of energy sources, which enables the company to adapt to changing market conditions and reduce its dependence on any one energy source. The company’s portfolio includes:
This effort is driven by the company’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting the growing demand for clean energy.
The Energy Transition at Duke Energy
Duke Energy is at the forefront of the energy transition, with a comprehensive plan to transform its operations and infrastructure. The company’s vision is to create a more sustainable and resilient energy system that meets the needs of its customers while minimizing its environmental footprint.
Key Components of the Energy Transition
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