Managing Winter High Bills - Duke Energy (2024)

Unfortunately, many of our customers are currently experiencing higher than normal energy bills. This is due in part to a dramatic increase in the cost of fuel, driving up the cost to run our power plants and generate power. We don’t profit from fuel costs. Fuel is a pass-through cost, meaning you pay what we paid.

Colder winter temperatures can also contribute to higher bills as your heating system has to work harder to keep your home comfortable. For savings, keep your thermostat at the lowest comfortable setting. The lower the setting, the lower your heating energy bills will be. (Please refer to the energy saving tips and tools on this page for many other ways to help manage your energy usage and bring down your energy bills.)

Account adjustments can also affect the total amount due on your energy bill. Check for adjustments, such as a past-due amount, a transferred debt, a deposit charge or a returned-check fee.

Finally, check the number of days in the billing cycle. Most bills are for 30 days, but there are times when the billing cycle is shorter or longer. If there are more days in the billing cycle, your bill will be higher.

Various community action agencies and government programs offer financial assistance to qualifying individuals and families. Details and links are available on our special assistance page. Customers can also visit 211.org or call 211 for assistance.

Payment plans and arrangements are available to most customers who are unable to pay a past-due bill and those who foresee issues paying an upcoming bill. Find out more about payment plans.

Use our website or our Duke Energy app to track your energy usage by the week, day and hour. That way you can see when your energy usage is spiking and adjust habits that may be driving it up. Simply sign into your online account or create one here.

You can also take advantage of our Usage Alerts. We send Usage Alerts to give you a heads up on your energy usage midway through your billing cycle so you can take steps to help lower your usage before your bill comes.

Heating System: In winter, set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting. The lower the setting, the lower your heating energy bills will be. Have your system inspected regularly to help it perform more efficiently. Change air filters regularly. A dirty air filter makes your heating system work harder, which uses more energy.

Air Conditioner: In summer, set your thermostat to the highest comfortable setting. Consider setting the thermostat at 80 degrees while you are away. The higher the setting, the lower your cooling energy bills will be.

Electric water heater: Set your water heater to around 120 degrees to save 6% to 10% on energy costs. Install low-flow fixtures for water savings of 25% to 60%.

Refrigerator and freezer: Your refrigerator should be 35 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit. The freezer should be 4 to 5 degrees if it is part of a fridge/freezer unit. For a separate freezer, use a setting of 0.

Washer and Dryer: Try to do laundry earlier in the day in summer and in the evening hours during winter. This will help prevent your cooling or heating system from working too hard. For additional savings, wash clothing in cold water whenever possible.

• Get additional winter saving tips that you may not have thought of yet.
• Choose from a comprehensive list of programs and services designed to help you save money, better manage your energy usage, find the billing and payment options that work best for you, and much more—visit our Lower My Bill Toolkit.
• Make your home more energy efficient with these easy step-by-step DIY quick-fix projects.
• Visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Saver website for a wealth of energy saving ideas.