Labor Day heat hits S.C.: Duke Energy helps customers understand, manage costs

GREENVILLE - Hot weather is hitting South Carolina this holiday weekend. The National Weather Service is forecasting highs in the mid- to upper 90s, with conditions expected to feel as hot as 100 to 105 degrees in some areas and temperatures running about 10 degrees above normal for early September.

"A hotter holiday weekend can mean higher energy use, even when customers don't change their thermostat," said Tim Pearson, Duke Energy South Carolina president. "As South Carolinians gather for family, friends and football, Duke Energy has tools to help customers understand their usage, programs to improve efficiency and support options for those who need extra help."

Why energy use increases when temperatures rise

One of the most common questions customers ask is why energy use can increase even when they haven't changed their thermostat setting.

The reason is simple: When it's hotter outside, your air conditioner has to work harder to cool your home.

For example, if it's 82 degrees outside and your thermostat is set to 72 degrees, your system is working to close a 10-degree gap. When temperatures climb into the upper 90s, that gap can grow to 25 degrees or more, causing the air conditioner to run longer and use more energy to maintain the same indoor temperature.

That's why customers may see higher energy use during periods of above-normal heat, even when thermostat settings and daily routines stay the same.

Understand what's driving your bill

Duke Energy offers free tools that can help customers better understand their energy use and monthly bill:

- Bill Insights, available in the Duke Energy app, provides a personalized explanation of the factors influencing a customer's bill, including weather-related impacts.

- Usage Alerts provide a mid-cycle update on energy use, current costs and projected billing cycle costs, helping customers avoid surprises.

- My Home Energy Report provides personalized insights and analysis of your home's energy use, helping you save energy and money.

Simple ways to improve energy efficiency

Set your thermostat to the highest comfortable setting. Even a small adjustment can help improve energy efficiency.

Fire up the grill instead of using the oven, especially if hosting a football watch party. Cooking outdoors can help keep temperatures cooler indoors.

Close blinds and curtains on sunny windows before guests arrive to help block heat from entering the home. Keep them closed during the hottest part of the day to help keep indoor temperatures lower.

Run ceiling fans counterclockwise to circulate cooler air and help rooms feel cooler.

Programs that can help customers save

A free home energy assessment from an energy expert provides personalized recommendations and free energy efficiency products.

Customers can earn up to $246 in bill credits by enrolling eligible devices in Power Manager or EnergyWise Home.

Time-of-use and other time-based rate options may help customers lower costs by shifting some energy use to times when electricity demand is lower.

Flexible billing and assistance options

Customers who need additional flexibility have several options available.

- Annual Budget Billing helps make monthly bills more predictable by spreading seasonal highs and lows across the year.

- Pick Your Due Date allows customers to choose a billing due date that better aligns with their schedule.

- Payment Assistance Finder connects customers with local assistance resources through a simple ZIP code search.

Customers can learn more about energy-saving programs, billing options and assistance resources at duke-energy.com/SummerSolutions.