Save Money on Your Duke Energy Bill! (NC)

If you’re a North Carolina Duke Energy customer, you could be saving money on your power bill! From free LED light bulbs to budget billing, we’ve found several tricks for North Carolina Duke Energy customers.

Duke Energy Payment Arrangements

If you are struggling to pay your bill, Duke Energy can help! There are many services offered by the company that could help you make your payments.

Of course, they can offer you a payment arrangement that will divide your current bill across several future months. This can help you if you’re experiencing a temporary financial hardship.

Duke Energy Equal Payment Plan

Duke Energy offers two Equal Payment Plans, also known as Budget Billing plans. You can choose whether to enroll in the Annual Plan or the Quarterly plan. You can enroll in either plan on the Duke Energy website.

Annual Plan

Under the Annual plan, the total amount you pay each year is divided evenly across 11 months. Every three months, the amount you pay will be reviewed to make sure that it is in line with your actual usage. This helps minimize unpleasant surprises in the final month. On the 12th month, you settle up with the difference between the amount of energy you actually used and the amount you paid.

In order to qualify for this program, your account must show at least 12 months of usage history. There are no fees associated with this service.

Duke Energy recommends signing up for automatic payment method along with this service.

Quarterly Plan

The Quarterly Equal Payment Plan does not require a billing history and does not have an annual settle-up month. The plan is based on an average of your last 12 months of usage.

One month prior to the renewal, you’ll be notified if the amount you pay is going to be adjusted. Any difference between your actual usage and the plan amount is reflected in the next quarter’s calculation, so you never have to worry about being blindsided by a ridiculously high power bill.

Is Budget Billing worth it?

Although I’m not a Duke Energy customer, I have personally benefited from Budget Billing plans with other providers. I always recommend participating.

These equal payment plans avoid seasonal highs and lows on your bill. This helps keep the bill predictable so that it can better fit into your budget. You don’t have to worry about being blindsided by a seasonal heat wave or cold snap that drives your payments higher than you can afford.

Due Date Extension

You can extend your due date by up to 10 business days, twice per year! This extension is designed to help you request a specific due date instead of the usual due date. You won’t receive any late fees when you use an extension.

In order to request a due date extension, you must ask before your payment is late. You cannot have a past-due balance or a disconnection notice if you are going to request an extension.

The due date extension will only affect one payment. The following payments will be due on the regular due date.

Disconnection Date Extension

If you receive a disconnection notice, you can request a disconnection date extension. This can give you 5-10 extra days to resolve your balance without getting your utilities disconnected.

This is a great way to buy yourself some time to reach out to the agencies below that can help you pay your bill!

Get a Credit in the Summer

Participate in the Power Manager program and receive an $8 credit on your bills between July and October – on top of the money you’ll already be saving by participating!

If you sign up for this program, Duke Energy will install a small device near your central air conditioner unit. The device will temporarily interrupt your air conditioning for a portion of every half-hour during peak demand times.

Seasonal Moratorium

If your household meets all of the following requirements, then Duke Energy cannot disconnect your service between November 1 and March 31. The North Carolina Utilities Commission has instated a winter moratorium to help people keep their utilities on during these months.

In order to qualify, you must meet ALL of the following requirements:

• At least one member of the household must be disabled and/or age 65+.
• The customer must be unable to pay the account in full or in installments over six months.
• The household must be eligible for Energy Crisis Assistance, even if funds are not available.

Get Help with Your Duke Energy Bill

If you need help paying your Duke Energy bill, we’ve found resources that can help you. Reach out to one or more of the programs below for assistance.

Home Energy Improvements

Get a personalized money-saving energy assessment – FREE!

Sign up for a free in-home energy assessment through Duke Energy. You’ll get personalized tips to help you save money on your energy bill. You’ll also get a few energy efficiency kit! Sign up online or call 844.DING.DONG (844.346.4366).

During the assessment, the expert assessor will check for air leaks, examine insulation, check appliances and more. She’ll analyze your home energy usage and provide you with detailed steps you can take to reduce your consumption.

You’ll also receive a free energy-efficiency kit that includes a shower head, kitchen faucet, faucet aerator, weather stripping and a hot water pipe wrap. The specialist can install some of these things for you while he’s there!

This assessment and energy efficiency kit have a combined $180 value. Don’t miss out!

LIHEAP

LIHEAP is a federal program that helps low income people pay their energy bills. The program can make an annual payment directly to Duke Energy on your behalf if you are eligible.

Applications are open between January 1 and March 1 of every year. If the program runs out of funding, applications may close early. It is very important to apply right away! You will need to contact the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services in order to apply.

Seniors (age 60+) and disabled people of any age can apply for LIHEAP at any time of the year as long as they are receiving services through the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services.

You can also receive crisis assistance if you are in danger of getting your utilities disconnected. The Crisis program operates year-round until the funds run out. The crisis funds are also managed by DHHS.

Weatherization Services

The state’s Weatherization Program may be able to help you reduce your future Duke Energy bills by improving the energy-efficiency of your home. This program can help install insulation, replace existing lighting, perform tune-ups and repairs on your heating/cooling systems and more.

In order to be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:

• North Carolina resident
• Income that is 200% or less of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

In order to apply for this program, you will need to contact the North Carolina Community Action Association. This is the same organization that administers the Duke Energy Helping Home Fund, so you may be able to take advantage of that program as well since it has identical requirements.

Share the Light Fund

The Share the Light Fund helps Duke Energy Carolina customers who have a past-due balance, unpaid deposit or unpaid reconnection charge. Money for this fund is donated by Duke Energy and its customers and employees.

There are many agencies that distribute funds form the Share the Light program. Some of these agencies distribute funds across the region and others focus on specific geographic areas.

No matter where you reside, you may be able to find help from:

• Department of Social Services
• The Salvation Army
• United Way

There are also smaller local organizations that offer Share the Light funds, including:

• Christian Crisis Center (Alexander County)
• Burke United Christian Ministries (Burke County)
• East Burke Christian Ministry Inc. (Burke County)
• Carrabus Cooperative Christian Ministry Inc. (Cabarrus County)
• Caldwell County Yokefellow Inc. (Caldwell County)
• South Caldwell Christian Ministries (Caldwell County)
• Caswell County Parish (Caswell County)
• Eastern Catawba Cooperative Christian Ministry (Catawba County)
• Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry (Catawba County)
• Greater Cleveland Co. Baptist Association Inc. (Cleveland County)
• South Davidson Family Resource Center Inc. (Davidson County)
• El Centro Hispano (Durham County)
• Crisis Control Ministry Inc. (Forsyth County)
• Moravian Church in America Southern Province (Forsyth County)
• First Baptist Church of Creedmoor (Granville County)
• Greensboro Urban Ministry (Guilford County)
• Interfaith Assistance Ministry Inc. (Henderson County)
• Moorsville Area Christian Mission Inc. (Iredell County)
• Matthew 25 Ministries (Iredell County)
• Christian Ministry of Lincoln County (Lincoln County)
• East Lincoln Christian Ministry Inc. (Lincoln County)
• Macon County Care Network (Macon County)
• Maxwell M. Corpening Jr. Foundation (McDowell County)
• Crisis Assistance Ministry (Mecklenberg)
• Matthews Help Center (Mecklenberg)
• Inter-Faith Council for Social Services (Orange)
• Orange Congregations in Missions (Orange)
• Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry (Polk County)
• Randleman Friends Meeting (Randolph County)
• Open Door Ministries of High Point Inc. (Randolph County)
• Christians United Outreach Center (Randolph County)
• Cooperative Christian Ministries (Rockingham County)
• Northwestern Rockingham Community Ministry (Rockingham County)
• Rowan Helping Ministries (Rowan County)
• Yolkfellow Service Center (Rutherford County)
• Stanly Community Christian Ministry Inc. (Stanly County)
• Tri-County Christian Crisis Ministry Inc. (Surry County)
• Transylvania Christian Ministry Inc. (Transylvania County)
• Union County Crisis Assistance Ministry Inc. (Union County)
• Common Heart (Union County)
• Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission (Wilkes County)
• Tri-County Christian Crisis Ministry (Wilkes & Yadkin County)

Belmont Community Organization

The Belmont Community Organization helps Belmont residents with utilities, rent, medicine, heating fuel, clothing, furniture and more. In order to get help, you will need to provide your photo ID, Social Security number, proof of address and proof of income.

CharlotteEast

Charlotte East provides up to $500 per year in utility bill assistance to county residents. In order to be eligible, you must live in one of these zip codes: 28212, 28205, or 28215. Income limits and other requirements apply.

First United Methodist Church of Stanley

The First United Methodist Church of Stanley can help you with your utility bills and medical needs. They only serve those who have lived within a three mile radius of the Church for at least one year.

You will need to bring your photo ID, proof of address and a copy of your bill to receive help.

Harrisburg Crisis Assistance Ministry

The Harrisburg Crisis Assistance Ministry has limited funding to help with past-due utilities. In order to receive assistance, you must reside in their service area or be a member of a Church within the service area.

You will be required to provide photo ID, proof of address and a copy of the bill to receive assistance.

Mt. Holly Community Relief Organization

The Community Relief Organization of Mount Holly can contribute up to $200 per year toward your utility bills when you are in crisis.

In order to receive assistance, you must bring your photo ID, proof of address, Social Security numbers for every member of your household, as well as proof of all your household income and expenses.

Serving Our Community with Kindness in Springwood

This organization provides assistance to residents of North Belmont or the Springwood Community. Their services include a food pantry and clothing closet, as well as financial assistance with utility bills and prescriptions.

You will need to provide proof of address, income, and the number of people in your household in order to receive assistance.

Get Free Stuff from Duke Energy

If you qualify, you may be able to get help from Duke Energy!

Free Fans

Older adults and people with disabilities may be able to get free fans through the Operation Fan Heat Relief program. This program provides fans between May 1 and October 31.

In certain counties, some customers may even be able to receive air conditioners. However, you must have a serious health problem that is exacerbated by heat in order to receive those.

To claim your free fans, you will need to reach out to your county’s Division of Aging and Adult Services.

Free LED Lightbulbs

Duke Energy residential customers who have an active account are eligible to receive up to 16 free LED light bulbs! The bulbs are 9-watt LED bulbs that replace standard 60 watt bulbs.

This program is part of the Duke Energy Neighborhood Energy Saver Program and it is designed to help you get free energy-efficiency products to improve your home. These products can also help reduce your bill.

Other Ways to Get Help

There are other resources that can help you with your Duke Energy Carolinas account as well!

Braille & Large Print Bills

If you struggle to read your bills, you can ask Duke Energy to provide you with bills in Braille or large print. These bills provide detailed information just like your ordinary bill. They’re just easier to read!

You can opt-in online or by calling Duke Energy. It may take up to two billing cycles before you start receiving bills in the new format.

Third Party Notification

If you’d like Duke Energy to notify someone else when your bill is past-due or at risk of disconnection, they can do that! You can ask them to notify a relative, friend, neighbor, community agency or anyone else that you request.

The person who receives the notification is not responsible for paying your bill. However, they can help remind you about the bill.

Medically Essential Program

If someone in your household is chronically ill, seriously ill, handicapped or on life support, you can register for the Medically Essential Program. This program does not prevent disconnection but it ensures that the account is handled sensitively.

What is Duke Energy?

Duke Energy serves more than 8.2 million customers throughout Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, North Carolina and South Carolina. This makes the company one of America’s largest energy utilities.

Of course, there are two divisions of Duke Energy in North Carolina. There is Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress, which serves the Raleigh region.

FAQs about Duke Energy

We know you’ve got questions about Duke Energy. Although we aren’t affiliated with the company, we’ve done our best to answer your most pressing concerns.

Nicole Thelin

Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.