ORLANDO, Fla. – In an effort to cover over a billion dollars in losses for hurricanes, power bills for hundreds of thousands of Floridians are going up as state regulators signed off on a big rate hike for Duke Energy customers.
Customers will start to see higher bills in March, and now is the time home and business owners might want to rethink their energy goals.
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Duke Energy Florida is urging customers to participate in a free home energy check for residential clients or a business energy check for commercial clients. Through this initiative, customers can benefit from rebate programs that can lead to immediate savings and ongoing reductions in their electric bills over time.
“Duke Energy Florida understands that extreme weather can drive up electric bills,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “That’s why we want to remind our customers about the benefits of Home and Business Energy Checks. At no charge to them, both residential and commercial customers can learn how to save energy from our team of experts, which will qualify them for cost savings if they follow through on recommended upgrades. It’s a simple process that can have a lasting impact on their wallets.”
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Home energy checks
Home energy checks can be completed online, through a simple, self-directed questionnaire; over the phone, with a Duke Energy advisor explaining the audit process; or in person, which involves a Duke Energy advisor coming to the home to perform the comprehensive assessment.
After completing a home energy check, customers receive a detailed report outlining their past and current energy usage. This report also includes personalized recommendations to help increase energy efficiency in their homes.
Every two years, customers can receive an energy efficiency kit delivered to their doorstep at no cost. This kit includes energy-saving products such as an LED light bulb and a fridge/freezer thermometer, which can be used immediately to start saving energy.
Additionally, participating customers may qualify for various rebate programs. These programs offer potential savings of up to $1,700 on home improvements. Eligible upgrades include enhancing attic insulation, testing and repairing ducts, and replacing HVAC systems and windows with energy-efficient alternatives.
To learn more and schedule a home energy check, click here. For a full listing of home improvement rebate programs, click here.
Business energy checks
Commercial customers can complete a free business energy check by either answering a few brief questions online or by participating in an on-site analysis with a Duke Energy advisor.
If customers choose the on-site check, they will receive a personalized report of their energy usage and recommendations to increase their energy efficiency, as well as a business-specific energy efficiency kit, at no cost.
Customers may then qualify for rebate programs to offset the costs of various energy efficiency projects throughout their businesses, including retrofitting and new construction of chiller systems, energy recovery ventilation and unitary AC systems and heat pumps.
To learn more and schedule a business energy check, click here. For a full listing of business-specific rebate programs, click here.
Additional help
Besides home and business energy checks, Duke Energy Florida offers other tools that can help customers manage their energy use, as well as flexible payment plans to help them avoid fees.
Additional assistance programs, such as the income-qualified Weatherization Program and the Share the Light Fund, are also available to help residential customers in need.
For more information on additional help for residential customers, click here. Commercial customers can click here.
Money-saving tips year-round
- Reduce your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting.
- Change air filters regularly.
- Leave curtains or drapes closed on warm days, and open on cold days.
- Check windows, doors, and vents for air leaks.
- Replace standard light bulbs with LED (Light Emitting Diode).
- Manage water heating. Set your water heater to 120 degrees or less.
- Install switch and outlet seals: Installing seals behind electric switches and outlets on exterior walls helps keep the cool air in and warm air out.
- Replace showerhead.
- Install a faucet aerator.
- Operate ceiling fans in a clockwise direction in the winter.
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