Duke Energy prepares for cold snap in the Carolinas; offers ways customers can save energy and money

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy (DUK) is preparing for extreme cold temperatures expected next week across the Carolinas, with forecasts predicting temperatures as low as single digits in some areas. The company has shared several energy-saving recommendations to help customers manage their energy consumption and costs during the cold snap.

The company provided various cost-effective energy efficiency tips including: adjusting thermostats to the lowest comfortable setting, maintaining heating systems, utilizing natural sunlight through windows, operating ceiling fans clockwise, sealing air leaks, using LED bulbs, and setting water heaters to 120 degrees or less. These measures could help customers save between 10% to 20% on heating costs.

Duke Energy serves 8.4 million electric customers across six states and 1.7 million natural gas customers across five states. The company is pursuing a clean energy transition, aiming for net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050.

Positive

• Company's proactive approach to customer energy cost management during extreme weather
• Large customer base with 8.4M electric and 1.7M natural gas customers across multiple states
• Clear environmental targets with net-zero emissions goals for 2030 and 2050

Negative

• Potential strain on grid infrastructure during extreme weather conditions
• Increased operational costs during severe weather events

• Company monitoring forecasts ahead of extreme cold temperatures
• Company also shares reminders on ways to save energy and money as temperatures drop next week; b-roll of energy-saving tips available here

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy is monitoring forecasts and preparing for a cold snap next week across the Carolinas. Temperatures could dip to the single digits in some areas.

Ways to save energy and money as temperatures drop
Duke Energy is here to help our customers take control of their energy use and save money through no-cost, low-cost energy efficiency tips.

Low- to no-cost energy-saving tips

• Reduce your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting. The closer you match your thermostat to outdoor temperatures, the more you can save.
• Change your air filter and schedule regular maintenance for your heating systems. Maintaining your heating systems can help increase efficiency.
• Leave drapes or blinds open on the sunny side of the home to allow the sun's rays to warm the house, but close them at night to help insulate your home.
• Operate ceiling fans in a clockwise direction in the winter to push warm air back down into the room.
• Seal cracks in windows, doors and vents with caulking and weatherstripping to save 10% to 20% in heating costs.
• Replace standard bulbs with LEDs. LEDs are more efficient than regular bulbs, while giving off the same amount of light.
• Set your water heater to 120 degrees or less. Water heating is typically the second-biggest user of energy in your home.

Get more tips, learn about incentives and sign up for usage alerts and other tools to save money at duke-energy.com/WinterEnergySavings.

Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition, keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

24-Hour: 800.559.3853 

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SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

What energy-saving tips has Duke Energy (DUK) recommended for the upcoming cold snap?

Duke Energy recommended lowering thermostats, maintaining heating systems, using sunlight through windows, running ceiling fans clockwise, sealing air leaks, using LED bulbs, and setting water heaters to 120 degrees or less.

How much can customers save on heating costs with Duke Energy's (DUK) recommended measures?

According to Duke Energy, customers can save 10% to 20% on heating costs by implementing measures such as sealing cracks in windows, doors, and vents with caulking and weatherstripping.

What are Duke Energy's (DUK) environmental goals for emissions reduction?

Duke Energy aims to achieve net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050.

How many customers does Duke Energy (DUK) serve across its utilities?

Duke Energy serves 8.4 million electric utility customers across six states (North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky) and 1.7 million natural gas customers across five states (North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio, and Kentucky).