Below are some steps customers can take:
? The thermostat is a real culprit of higher winter bills. To help save energy and money, select the lowest comfortable setting when home, and bump the thermostat down a degree or two when leaving home.
? The ceiling fan in the home is a great way to stay cool in the summer – and warm in the winter. Simply set the fans to operate in a clockwise direction, which pushes warm air back down into the room.
? Leave your drapes or blinds open to allow the sun’s rays to warm the house.
?
Inefficient heating can also add to monthly power bills during colder temperatures. One of the easiest things customers can do to support heating efficiency is to change air filters regularly. A dirty air filter makes a heating system work harder, which uses more energy.
?
Find these and other tips at www.duke-energy.com. Just click on the “save energy and money” link.
Customers who experience an outage should call Duke Energy’s automated outage-reporting systems for their respective utility:
? Duke Energy Carolinas: 1-800-POWERON (1-800-769-3766)
? Duke Energy Progress: 1-800-419-6356