Duke Energy's Winter Weather Preparedness: Saving Customers Money and Energy

As the polar vortex descends upon the Carolinas, Duke Energy is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and comfort of its customers while helping them save money and energy during the extreme cold. The company is preparing for sustained freezing temperatures, with forecasts predicting single-digit temperatures in some areas. Duke Energy is sharing energy-saving tips and reminding customers of the importance of preparedness during this challenging weather event.

Energy-Saving Tips for Extreme Cold

Duke Energy has provided a list of energy-saving tips to help customers manage their energy consumption and reduce their bills during the cold snap. Some of the key recommendations include:

1. Thermostat Management: Reducing thermostat settings to the lowest comfortable level can save customers up to 10% on heating costs. For example, if a customer's heating bill is $100, a 10% reduction would save them $10.
2. HVAC Maintenance: Regular maintenance of heating systems can increase efficiency, leading to lower energy bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a properly maintained HVAC system can save customers up to 30% on energy bills.
3. Natural Sunlight: Utilizing natural sunlight through windows during the day can help warm the house, reducing the need for heating. This can lead to significant savings, especially during the day when the sun is out.
4. Sealing Air Leaks: Sealing cracks in windows, doors, and vents with caulking and weatherstripping can save customers 10% to 20% in heating costs. For a customer with a $100 heating bill, this could mean savings of $10 to $20.
5. LED Bulbs: Replacing standard bulbs with LEDs can save customers up to $75 per year in energy costs.
6. Water Heater Settings: Setting water heaters to 120 degrees or less can save customers up to 5% on energy bills.



By implementing these energy-saving tips, customers can significantly reduce their heating bills during the extreme cold. For example, a customer with a $100 heating bill could potentially save up to $125 per year by following all of these recommendations.

Duke Energy's Smart Meter and Usage Alerts System

Duke Energy's smart meter and usage alerts system have the potential to significantly impact customer energy management. By providing real-time consumption data and personalized usage alerts, customers can make informed decisions about their energy use and adjust their habits accordingly. This proactive approach to demand-side management can help customers save money on their energy bills and reduce their overall consumption, which is particularly beneficial during extreme weather events when energy demand is high.

For instance, the Duke Energy app can provide daily and hourly usage information, allowing customers to identify patterns and make adjustments to their energy use. Additionally, customers with smart meters and an email address on file are automatically enrolled to receive usage alerts that show how much electricity they are using and how much it may cost in time to adjust. This feature enables customers to take control of their energy use and make changes before the bill arrives, helping them to manage their costs more effectively.



Moreover, the integration of smart meter technology with customer communication tools represents a significant operational advantage for Duke Energy. This infrastructure modernization effort aligns with the company's broader $54,800 MW capacity management strategy and their net-zero transition goals. The ability to monitor and manage demand in real-time through these digital tools provides important grid stability benefits during extreme weather events, as it helps to reduce peak load demands and maintain service reliability.

In conclusion, Duke Energy's proactive approach to winter weather preparedness is a win-win for both the company and its customers. By providing energy-saving tips and utilizing smart meter technology, Duke Energy is helping customers save money and energy while maintaining grid stability during extreme weather events. This commitment to customer service and operational excellence is a key factor in Duke Energy's stock performance and its ability to maintain stable returns while managing the capital-intensive clean energy transition.