Low Temps Drive Higher Energy Use
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Low Temperatures Drive Higher Energy Use; Duke Energy Is Here to Help with Ways to Manage Your Bill
- Prolonged cold this week and next week will drive higher energy use
- Duke Energy is here to help with energy-saving tips, flexible billing, savings programs and assistance resources
Prolonged below-normal temperatures are pushing home energy use higher across Indiana – and higher use can mean higher bills. Duke Energy is sharing practical steps and flexible options to help customers manage costs during this cold stretch.
What’s happening: Indiana is experiencing an unusually long stretch of cold weather, with weeks of temperatures below freezing – about 20 to 25 degrees below what’s typical for this time of year.
- It could be the longest cold stretch since February 2021.
Why it matters: When temperatures stay low, heating systems run longer to maintain comfort – the primary driver of higher home energy use.
We’re here to help: Here are simple steps and flexible options to help you save energy and take control of your bill during this extended cold stretch.
Tips to help you save: Small actions can add up.
- Set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting.
- Seal leaks and insulate to keep warm air inside.
- Let the sun help heat your home by opening blinds and curtains during the day and closing them at night.
- Operate ceiling fans clockwise to push warm air down.
Rates & rewards
- Smart thermostat rewards – Get $75 through an initial bill credit and $25 annually after that when you enroll a qualifying smart thermostat in Power Manager®. Participants agree to brief adjustments to their thermostat temperature, no more than 4 degrees, typically for one to two hours during periods of peak electricity demand.
- Smart Usage Option (time-of-use rate) – Lower your energy costs by shifting some energy use to off-peak times.
Take control of how you pay: Explore your payment options.
- Pick Your Due Date – Choose the date your monthly bill is due to align with payday.
- Due Date Extensions – If you know you won’t be able to pay by the due date, request a short extension.
- Installment Plans – Break down payments on a past-due balance over time.
Need more help?
- Payment Assistance Finder – Locate local organizations that offer utility bill assistance on Duke Energy’s website.
- Share the Light Fund® – Duke Energy shareholder and community contributions that help qualifying customers pay energy bills.
- Call 211 – Get connected to additional community resources in your area.
For more information and to get started, visit duke-energy.com/WinterEnergySavings.
Duke Energy Indiana Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides about 6,300 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 920,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it Indiana’s largest electric supplier.