Carbon Offset Program

Program has closed and new enrollments can no longer be accepted.

What is Carbon Dioxide (CO2)?

Whether you’re driving to work, cooking dinner, or heating or cooling your home, you’re directly or indirectly producing carbon dioxide (CO2) – a greenhouse gas that’s associated with global climate change. These gases trap heat in our atmosphere, which amplifies the earth’s natural greenhouse effect, commonly referred to as global warming.

Through photosynthesis, trees do their part to help offset CO2, and you can too. By participating in the Carbon Offset program, you can balance out or “offset” the environmental consequences produced by our energy-intensive lifestyles. It’s easy and inexpensive, but makes a big impact.

Prevent CO2 emissions with offsets

We offer customers an easy and convenient way to reduce their carbon footprints. Each offset supports programs that reduce or prevent the release of CO2 emissions. Here’s how it works:

• Each offset costs $4 per month and offsets 500 pounds of CO2 – the equivalent of 250 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy use or a quarter of an average residential customer’s electricity use.
  
• In turn, Duke Energy will purchase carbon credits, which support certified carbon offset projects, on your behalf. The carbon projects are landfill gas to energy projects that are certified by the Climate Action Reserve, a third party that provides accurate and transparent measurement, verification and tracking of greenhouse gas reductions and their inventories.

You can even choose to purchase four carbon offsets for $16 a month and balance your entire home’s carbon footprint. You may also elect to purchase additional offsets to help compensate for the emissions from your other activities, like driving and flying.

Monies paid to participate in the program go directly toward the purchase of carbon credits and program administration.