Duke Energy Expands Energy Efficiency Incentives for SC Homes and Businesses

Duke Energy has expanded incentives and eligibility for its energy efficiency and demand response programs in South Carolina, effective August 1, 2025. The company now offers a free Home Energy Assessment and increased rebates for upgrades like insulation and smart thermostats. Business customers can earn higher capacity credits and improved incentives through the PowerShare and EnergyWise Business programs. Additionally, income-eligible customers will have more opportunities for energy savings and payment assistance through government aid and Duke Energy's Share the Light Fund.

Duke Energy has announced significant enhancements to its energy efficiency and demand response programs in South Carolina, effective August 1, 2025. The company, following approval from the Public Service Commission of South Carolina (PSCSC), has expanded the scope and increased the financial incentives for both residential and business customers [1].

Residential customers now benefit from a free Home Energy Assessment, which includes the installation of energy-saving items such as smart power strips, efficient showerheads, and caulking. Additionally, rebates through the Smart $aver® program have been expanded for various energy-efficient upgrades, including insulation, water heaters, and smart thermostats [1]. Customers can also earn increased bill credits for shifting energy use during peak hours, with extra incentives available for electric water heater owners through the Power Manager® and EnergyWise Home® programs [1].

Business customers stand to gain from increased capacity credits in the PowerShare® program, which now offers $5 per kW for load curtailment, up from $3.50 [1]. The EnergyWise Business program, modeled after the residential EnergyWise Home offering, has also seen improved incentives. Furthermore, many energy efficiency program rebates for businesses have been raised by an average of 20 percent to 25 percent [1].

For income-eligible customers, Duke Energy has expanded its support in 2025 to include more opportunities for energy savings and payment assistance through government and nonprofit aid, as well as the Share the Light Fund®, which offers financial relief to those facing hardship [1].

Duke Energy's initiatives align with the recently enacted S.C. Energy Security Act, which supports these energy-saving programs and lays the groundwork for further expansion in the future [1].

References:
[1] https://www.morningstar.com/news/pr-newswire/20250804cl43552/duke-energy-increases-financial-incentives-for-customer-energy-efficiency-and-demand-response-programs-in-south-carolina
[2] https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/duke-energy-expands-efficiency-incentives-sc-homes-and-businesses