Duke Energy has announced updates to its assistance programs aimed at supporting low-income households struggling with utility expenses. In 2024, the company provided nearly $90 million in energy bill assistance to over 114,000 North Carolina households through initiatives such as the Share the Light Fund and Customer Assistance Program (CAP).
"We realize that many of our customers are facing challenging times, and we are committed to finding ways to support them," said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy North Carolina state president. "Our payment assistance and energy and money-saving programs are designed to offer relief and help manage energy costs."
For 2025, Duke Energy has expanded its programs for qualifying customers. The Weatherization program now offers increased incentives, including a rise in HVAC replacement from $6,000 to $8,000 and refrigerator replacement from $1,000 to $1,500. Eligibility criteria have also been broadened.
The new Income-qualified Power Manager/EnergyWise Home program provides a free smart thermostat for electric heat customers who previously qualified for certain Duke Energy income-qualified programs. Participants can receive bill credits up to $150 for shifting energy use during peak demand.
The Neighborhood Energy Saver program has also increased incentives for providing walk-through energy assessments and various free energy-saving products. Qualification is based on neighborhood income levels.
In addition to these programs, Duke Energy continues offering resources like the Customer Assistance Program (CAP), which provides monthly credits up to $42 for qualifying customers, the Share the Light Fund for bill payment assistance, and installment plans for manageable payments.
Duke Energy emphasizes cost-saving tips such as tracking energy usage, adjusting thermostats, maintaining heating systems, sealing windows and doors with weatherstripping, using LED bulbs instead of standard ones, and utilizing natural sunlight effectively.
Duke Energy Carolinas serves electricity needs across North Carolina and South Carolina with significant capacity holdings alongside Duke Energy Progress. Both subsidiaries contribute towards the company's clean energy goals targeting net-zero emissions by mid-century.
For further details on these offerings or other inquiries related to Duke Energy's services or billing support tools available online at duke-energy.com/WinterEnergySavings.