New Year, Bigger Incentives: As temperatures fall in the Carolinas, Duke Energy increases financial incentives for customer energy efficiency and demand response programs

Core Viewpoint - Duke Energy has enhanced incentives and eligibility for its energy efficiency and demand response programs in North Carolina, effective January 1, 2025, to help customers save energy and money [1][2]. Residential Program Incentives - Incentives for five residential energy efficiency programs have been increased, with some incentives doubling or tripling, making it an optimal time for customers to enroll [2][3]. - The Smart $aver® home improvement rebate has increased HVAC, insulation, water heater, and heat pump incentives from $350 to $500, while pool pump incentives have tripled from $300 to $900 [7]. Business Program Incentives - Business customers also see increased incentives, with PowerShare® capacity credits rising from $3.50 to $5 per kW, and EnergyWise Business incentives increasing from $30 to $50 per average kW saved [4][5]. - Overall, many business program incentives have increased by an average of 20%-25% [5]. Assistance Programs - Duke Energy has expanded its assistance programs for customers facing financial hardships, offering a wider range of options for energy savings [6]. - The Weatherization program has increased HVAC replacement incentives from $6,000 to $8,000 and refrigerator replacement incentives from $1,000 to $1,500 [12]. Clean Energy Transition - Duke Energy is committed to 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 [11].