Core Insights - Duke Energy has enhanced incentives and eligibility for energy efficiency and demand response programs in South Carolina, effective August 1, 2025, following approval from the Public Service Commission of South Carolina [1][2] Residential Customer Enhancements - The company has introduced significant incentives for residential customers, with some incentives doubling or tripling, encouraging energy efficiency improvements [2][10] - Customers can manage energy use better and save money through demand response programs, which offer bill credits for shifting usage to lower demand periods [3] Business Customer Benefits - Duke Energy has increased energy efficiency and demand response incentives for business customers, with average incentive amounts rising by 20%-25% [5][6] - The PowerShare program has increased capacity credits from $3.50 to $5 per kW for reducing energy use [12] Assistance Programs - Expanded offerings for qualifying customers include more options for energy savings, particularly for those in need [7] - Duke Energy provides resources for customers struggling with energy bills, including flexible payment arrangements and assistance programs [13] Company Overview - Duke Energy serves 8.4 million customers across several states and has a total energy capacity of 54,800 megawatts [14] - The company is committed to a clean energy transition, aiming for net-zero methane emissions by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with investments in electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation [15]

Core Viewpoint - The article outlines the "Hebei Province 2025 Power Load Management Work Plan," which aims to address power supply shortages and ensure stable operation of the power grid in Hebei Province, particularly during peak demand periods in summer and winter [7][9]. Supply and Demand Situation - In summer, the maximum load for the Hebei South Grid is expected to reach 55 million kW during peak hours, with a supply gap of approximately 3 million kW during the evening peak. The Hebei North Grid is projected to have a maximum load of 32 million kW in the morning and 31 million kW in the evening, maintaining a balanced supply-demand situation. In extreme conditions, the supply gap could increase to 5 million kW for the South Grid and 473 million kW for the North Grid [3][9]. - In winter, the maximum load for the Hebei South Grid is anticipated to be 51.5 million kW in the morning and 49 million kW in the evening, with a supply gap of about 150,000 kW. The North Grid's maximum load is expected to be 33 million kW in the morning and 34 million kW in the evening, also maintaining a balanced supply-demand situation. In extreme conditions, the supply gap could rise to 350,000 kW for the South Grid and 707,000 kW for the North Grid [3][9]. Key Tasks - The plan emphasizes comprehensive energy-saving strategies, including reducing energy consumption in landscape lighting and air conditioning, promoting energy efficiency in industrial enterprises, and encouraging residents to participate in energy-saving activities [11][12]. - Industrial enterprises are encouraged to implement flexible maintenance schedules to reduce peak load during high-demand periods, and users with energy storage systems are advised to optimize their charging and discharging strategies [12][13]. - The plan aims to expand the demand response resource pool by promoting the inclusion of flexible load resources such as energy storage, cold chain logistics, and self-generating power plants [14][15]. Load Management Indicators - The plan establishes load management indicators for both the Hebei South and North Grids, detailing various warning levels based on the percentage of supply gap, with specific thresholds for different regions [18][20]. - For instance, in Shijiazhuang, the indicators range from a 5% gap (36,000 kW) to a 30% gap (307,000 kW), while in Tangshan, the range is from a 5% gap (75,000 kW) to a 30% gap (451,000 kW) [18][20]. Implementation Requirements - The plan mandates strict adherence to load management measures, including timely notification to power users about load management strategies and the establishment of internal operational plans [21][24]. - It also emphasizes the need for periodic reviews and adjustments to the load management strategies based on the execution outcomes and any emerging challenges [25].