Duke Energy remains dedicated to assisting its customers and communities by providing programs and resources designed to support those struggling with utility costs due to financial difficulties.
"We understand that many customers are experiencing tough times, and we are committed to offering solutions that can ease their burden," said Kendal Bowman, North Carolina State President at Duke Energy. "Our payment assistance options and energy-saving initiatives are designed to help customers manage their energy expenses more effectively."
What’s New for 2025 "We understand that many customers are experiencing tough times, and we are committed to offering solutions that can ease their burden," said Kendal Bowman, North Carolina State President at Duke Energy. "Our payment assistance options and energy-saving initiatives are designed to help customers manage their energy expenses more effectively."
Duke Energy has updated its programs and services to offer more energy-saving options for those in need. Key changes include:
Weatherization Program Enhancements – This free program helps income-eligible customers lower energy expenses by installing energy-efficient upgrades in their homes. Increased incentives, including an HVAC replacement incentive raised from $6,000 to $8,000 and refrigerator replacement funding boosted from $1,000 to $1,500. Expanded service providers and broader eligibility criteria. Open to customers with an income below 200% of the federal poverty level. Income-Qualified Power Manager®/EnergyWise Home® Program – A new demand response initiative provides a free smart thermostat, installed at no cost, for eligible electric heat customers who have participated in past Duke Energy income-qualified programs. Open to customers from previous programs such as Neighborhood Energy Saver, Weatherization, or High Energy Use Pilot. Participants can earn bill credits of up to $150 for reducing energy usage during peak hours. Neighborhood Energy $aver Program – A free program offering walk-through energy assessments and complimentary energy-saving products to help customers reduce their electric bills. Eligibility is based on neighborhood income levels, with at least 50% of residents needing to have an income below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Why It Matters In 2024, over 114,000 eligible North Carolina households benefited from nearly $90 million in energy bill assistance through programs such as the Share the Light Fund and the Customer Assistance Program (CAP), as well as federal programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Additional Assistance Options Duke Energy continues to provide resources to help customers manage their energy costs, including:
Customer Assistance Program (CAP) – A 12-month initiative offering qualifying customers monthly credits of up to $42. Share the Light Fund – Financial aid for customers who need assistance with their energy bills. Installment Payment Plans – Flexible plans that allow customers to break down their payments into manageable amounts. Energy-Saving Tips and Strategies Duke Energy also provides energy usage alerts and practical, low-cost solutions to help customers lower their bills. Consider these energy-saving tips:
Monitor energy usage and adjust household habits to maximize savings. Lower the thermostat to the coolest comfortable temperature. Set water heater temperature to 120°F to reduce energy consumption. Regularly replace air filters and schedule heating system maintenance for better efficiency. Utilize sunlight to naturally warm your home by keeping blinds open during the day and closing them at night. Reverse ceiling fans in winter to push warm air down. Seal gaps around doors, windows, and vents to reduce heating costs by 10%–20%. Switch to LED bulbs for better efficiency and long-term savings.