Duke Energy Enhances Energy Efficiency and Demand Response Programs in South Carolina, Increasing Incentives for Customers

Duke Energy has increased incentives and eligibility for its energy efficiency and demand response programs in South Carolina, with some incentives doubling or tripling. The updates include free home energy assessments, expanded rebates for energy-efficient upgrades, and increased bill credits for shifting energy use. Business customers also benefit from increased incentives for programs like PowerShare and EnergyWise Business. The enhancements aim to encourage customers to save energy and money while promoting energy security.

Duke Energy has significantly enhanced its financial incentives and eligibility for energy efficiency and demand response programs in South Carolina. The updates, approved by the Public Service Commission of South Carolina (PSCSC) and effective from August 1, 2025, aim to encourage customers to save energy and money, thereby promoting energy security.

The residential customer programs have seen substantial upgrades. Free home energy assessments now include customized energy efficiency products such as smart power strips, efficient showerheads, and caulking. Additionally, expanded rebates for energy-efficient upgrades like insulation, water heaters, and smart thermostats are available through the Smart $aver program. Bill credits for shifting energy use have been increased, with new incentives for electric water heater owners through Power Manager® and EnergyWise Home® programs.

Business customers also benefit from increased incentives. The PowerShare® program, which involves voluntary large customer load curtailment, has increased capacity credits from $3.50 to $5 per kW. The EnergyWise Business program, similar to PowerShare and EnergyWise Home but tailored for businesses, has also seen increased customer incentives. Many of the company’s energy efficiency business program incentive amounts have increased by an average of 20%-25%.

Furthermore, Duke Energy has expanded its assistance programs to offer more options for energy savings to those in need. Customers struggling with energy bills may qualify for assistance from various government and nonprofit programs for utility bills and other household expenses. The Share the Light Fund®, a Duke Energy program, provides energy assistance to customers experiencing uncertainty.

These enhancements come at a time when the Carolinas are experiencing record-breaking temperatures, making energy-saving tips and incentives more relevant than ever. Duke Energy offers various tools and tips to help customers manage their energy use, including setting thermostats to higher comfortable settings, using cooler water for laundry, and operating heat-producing appliances during cooler morning hours.

Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company, is committed to an ambitious clean energy transition, focusing on reliability, affordability, and accessibility. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas, and nuclear power.

For more information on all residential and business programs, visit duke-energy.com/GetSavings. To learn about energy-saving tips and assistance programs, visit duke-energy.com/SummerSavings.

References:
[1] https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/duke-energy-increases-financial-incentives-for-customer-energy-efficiency-and-demand-response-programs-in-south-carolina
[2] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/duke-energy-offers-tips-to-save-energy-and-money-as-wide-spread-heat-wave-brings-triple-digit-temperatures-to-the-carolinas-302514623.html