Hot weather returns to the Carolinas: Tools, programs and assistance available to help customers understand energy use and manage costs

• National Weather Service forecasts temperatures about 10 degrees above normal for early September, with highs in the mid-to-upper 90s across much of the Carolinas
• Air conditioners run longer and use more energy in hot weather – even if the thermostat never moves
• Tools, programs and flexible billing options can help customers better understand usage and manage costs

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hot weather is returning to the Carolinas this week. 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.

As temperatures rise, air conditioners work harder and use more energy to maintain the same indoor temperature. Duke Energy is sharing information, tools and resources to help customers better understand how weather affects energy use, manage costs and learn about available assistance options.

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.
• Run ceiling fans counterclockwise to circulate cooler air and help rooms feel cooler.
• Close blinds and curtains on sunny windows during the hottest part of the day to help keep indoor temperatures lower.

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.

"Summer weather can have a significant impact on how much energy a household uses," said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy's North Carolina president. "We're helping customers stay informed with tools that explain how weather and other factors can affect energy use, while also connecting customers with assistance resources when they need support."

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

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 8.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,700 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an energy modernization strategy, keeping customer value at the forefront as it invests in electric grid upgrades and efficient generation resources to strengthen the system and serve growing energy needs.

More information is available at duke-energy.com. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook for stories about the people and innovations powering its communities. 

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SOURCE Duke Energy