As energy bills rise during the winter, Duke Energy is working to clarify why costs have increased and to provide information on how customers can better manage their energy usage and find assistance if needed.
The company reports that the primary reason for higher bills this winter has been prolonged cold weather, which causes heating systems to operate more frequently and for longer periods. This increase in energy use—not changes in rates—is cited as the main factor behind larger bills. According to Duke Energy, a recent rate adjustment only resulted in about a $4 increase for a typical Duke Energy Carolinas customer using 1,000 kWh of electricity, and less than $1 for a similar Duke Energy Progress customer.
“This past winter ranked as one of the most extreme winters across Duke Energy service areas in the past 10 years, including more frequent and longer-lasting cold spells, colder overnight lows and higher heating demand than in the past decade,” according to the company. Additionally, snow and ice events kept families at home more often, leading to increased use of appliances such as stoves and dishwashers.
Duke Energy suggests that customers can take several steps to reduce their energy consumption even during cold spells. Recommendations include setting thermostats to the lowest comfortable temperature, sealing air leaks with caulk or weatherstripping, opening blinds during daylight hours and closing them at night, running ceiling fans clockwise to circulate warm air downward, and changing air filters regularly.
The company also offers tools like Home Energy House Call—an assessment program with no out-of-pocket cost—as well as time-of-use programs such as Flex Savings Option. Customers with qualifying smart thermostats may be eligible for bill credits of up to $150 initially and $50 annually.
For those struggling with payments, Duke Energy provides flexible options including Budget Billing for predictable monthly payments throughout the year; due date extensions; Pick Your Due Date options; and installment plans for spreading out overdue balances.
Financial assistance is also available through community resources. In 2025 alone, over $95 million was distributed in energy bill aid to North Carolina customers via programs like Share the Light Fund and federal funds from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). “Customers are encouraged to seek help early to find the option that best fits their needs,” states Duke Energy.
The company emphasizes comparing bills from year-to-year rather than month-to-month due to seasonal fluctuations. For example, comparing January’s bill this year with last January’s gives a clearer understanding of changes in usage or cost than comparing it directly with December’s bill.
Duke Energy encourages customers seeking tips or support regarding their bills or energy usage to visit duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings or call its 24-hour line at 800.559.3853.
Duke Energy serves millions of electric utility customers across six states and natural gas customers across five states. The company continues investing in grid upgrades and cleaner power generation while maintaining reliability for its users.
For further details about services or assistance programs offered by Duke Energy, additional information is available on its website duke-energy.com.
