Carbon Offset Program FAQs

The Carbon Offset Program gives you the opportunity to reduce your carbon footprint by purchasing carbon offsets through Duke Energy . All voluntary customer payments go directly to purchase carbon offsets from programs and technologies that reduce or prevent carbon or greenhouse gas emissions.

Carbon offsets are an easy and inexpensive way to balance your environmental impact by funding programs and technologies that prevent or sequester the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Carbon offsets are purchased from a third party to help cancel out, or “offset” the environmental consequences produced by our energy-intensive lifestyles.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is one example of a GHG. Most everything we do – driving, flying, heating and cooling our homes – emits CO₂ into the atmosphere. The release of too much GHGs is associated with a global climate change by trapping heat and amplifying the earth’s natural greenhouse effect.

Reforestation projects are one way to offset carbon emissions. Through photosynthesis, trees naturally capture and remove CO₂ from the air. In addition, CO₂ can be balanced through the capture of methane gas produced by animals and landfills.

All offset programs are being evaluated using the criteria established by the Environmental Defense Fund. For example, carbon offsets offered through the selected program must be verifiable, certified, permanent and have net positive environmental and community impacts.

Each carbon offset may be purchased for $4 per month, which will offset 500 pounds of CO₂ – the equivalent of 250 kilowatt hours of energy use based on Duke Energy’s generation mix. The average residential customer uses 1,000 kilowatt hours of energy per month.

Duke Energy will use 100 percent of our customers’ contributions to purchase carbon offsets and cover program administrative costs.

To participate in the Carbon Offset Program, customers need to complete the program enrollment form.

You may decide to stop your contribution to the Carbon Offset Program at any time. Call 1-866-683-0705.