On August 4, 2025, Duke Energy Corporation announced a significant enhancement to its energy efficiency and demand response programs for residential and business customers in South Carolina. These updates, approved by the Public Service Commission of South Carolina (PSCSC), aim to provide customers with more opportunities to save energy and reduce their utility bills.

1. Doubling Down on Energy Efficiency

Tim Pearson, President of Duke Energy South Carolina, emphasized the importance of these enhancements, stating, "Some of our program incentives have doubled – or even tripled – making now an even more rewarding time to make energy efficiency improvements or enroll in programs at your home or business to help save." This initiative is aligned with the recent enactment of the South Carolina Energy Security Act, which underscores the state's commitment to advancing energy efficiency initiatives.

Enhancements for Residential Customers

Duke Energy's update includes expanded benefits specifically for residential customers, aimed at making energy savings more accessible:

Free Home Energy Assessment: The assessment now includes customized energy efficiency products such as smart power strips, efficient showerheads, and caulking, which will be installed during the Home Energy House Call.

Home Improvement Rebates: The program has expanded rebates for various energy-efficient upgrades, including insulation, water heaters, and smart thermostats through the Smart $aver® initiative.

Increased Bill Credits: Customers can earn higher bill credits for shifting their energy consumption during peak demand periods. New incentives for electric water heater owners are also available through the Power Manager® and EnergyWise Home® programs.

For more details on residential programs, customers are encouraged to visit Duke Energy's website.

Business Customer Benefits

Duke Energy has not forgotten its business clients. The company has ramped up energy efficiency and demand response incentives for business customers:

PowerShare® Program: This voluntary large customer load curtailment program has increased capacity credits from $3.50 to $5 per kW when customers reduce their energy use during specific program options.

EnergyWise Business: Similar to its residential counterpart, this program offers increased customer incentives tailored for business customers.

In addition, many energy efficiency business program incentive amounts have risen by an average of 20% to 25%. Business customers can find more information on these incentives by visiting duke-energy.com/GetSavings.

2. Expanded Assistance Programs

Duke Energy also announced updated assistance programs for qualifying customers in 2025, aiming to provide additional options for those who may be struggling financially:

Utility Bill Assistance: Customers facing difficulties in paying their energy bills may qualify for assistance through various government and nonprofit programs.

Flexible Payment Options: The company offers resources to help customers manage their energy usage, as well as flexible payment arrangements, including the Share the Light Fund®, which provides direct energy assistance.

For more information on available assistance programs, customers can visit duke-energy.com/SummerSavings.

3. Duke Energy's Commitment to Clean Energy

Duke Energy is one of America's largest energy holding companies, serving approximately 8.4 million customers across several states. As part of its commitment to sustainability, the company is executing a transformative clean energy strategy. This includes significant investments in electric grid upgrades and cleaner energy sources, such as renewables, natural gas, and nuclear. Duke Energy aims to achieve net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050.

For further details, visit duke-energy.com or the Duke Energy News Center, and follow the company on social media platforms like X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for updates on its energy transition initiatives.

Original press release