Low temperatures drive higher energy use; Duke Energy is here to help with ways to manage your bill

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Prolonged below-normal temperatures are pushing home energy use higher across the Carolinas – 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: The Carolinas are experiencing an unusually long stretch of cold weather, with several days of temperatures at or below freezing – about 10 to 20 degrees below what's typical for this time of year.

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.

Rates & rewards

Take control of how you pay: Explore your payment options.

Need more help? 

For more information and to get started, visit duke-energy.com/WinterEnergySavings.

Duke Energy Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. 

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage. 

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

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SOURCE Duke Energy