Energy Efficiency Frequently Asked Questions

As the demand for energy grows, we believe part of the solution includes helping our customers use energy more efficiently through our cost-effective energy efficiency programs.

Duke Energy’s Energy Efficiency Plan represents the best way to achieve energy efficiency in North Carolina. It encourages additional investments in cost-effective energy efficiency programs. The plan also supports the development of programs to assist our customers in reducing energy consumption and lowering their cost of doing business.

The cost of these programs will be shared among our customers through the cost recovery rider (Rider EE).

Active participation in the programs can produce savings that far outweigh the rider costs. Future costs are influenced by a variety of variables, including the number of participants, the incentives paid and the amount of energy saved. See Rider EE for actual costs.

Customers must notify Duke Energy of their request to opt in the energy efficiency program by providing a list of the specific customer account numbers.

Qualifying customers must notify Duke Energy of their request to opt out of participating in either the energy efficiency and/or demand response programs by providing a list of the specific eligible customer account numbers they wish to opt out. For energy efficiency, the request must state that the account(s), at their own expense, have gone through an energy audit or analysis within three years preceding the opt-out request and have implemented or plan to implement energy efficiency measures recommended in that audit or analysis. Customers may also opt out of the demand side management portion of the EE Rider. New customers who are eligible may request to opt out of the demand response program within 60 days of beginning service.

Yes, within the 60-day enrollment period, a customer who has previously opted out may subsequently elect to opt in and participate in one or more programs being offered by Duke Energy. Therefore, any customer who elects to participate in an energy efficiency program must pay the annual rider/charges. If this decision occurs after the enrollment period (Nov. 1 through Dec. 31), then they will have to wait until the next enrollment window opens in the following year.

Yes. If you decide that only the DSM program works for your organization, then you may choose to opt out of the EE components. Conversely, if DSM does not fit your business model, you may elect to only participate in our EE conservation programs (Smart $aver® Incentives). Please note that, unlike the EE conservation programs, our DSM offering (PowerShare®) is a three-year commitment and does not allow customers to opt out annually if they have committed load for interruption.

Yes, you can opt in or out by account, providing that you meet the minimum load qualifications.

Both opt in and opt out provision forms are provided for your convenience on this website. You may attach the completed form to an email and send it to BusinessServiceCenter@duke-energy.com. Or, print the form and mail it to:

Duke Energy
Customer Account Services/EC2ZA
526 South Church St.
Charlotte, NC 28202-1904

If mailing, the form should be signed by a person in your company who has the authority to execute contracts.

The signed and completed letter should be mailed to Duke Energy before the end of the enrollment period to ensure we will have adequate time to verify our records and properly update your account. The enrollment period to opt in or opt out lasts 60 days, from Nov.1 through Dec. 31.

Customers electing to opt in or opt out will receive a written confirmation once the change has been made in Duke Energy’s billing system.

No, NCUC Rule R8-69(d) requires Duke Energy to provide an annual report listing all of the customers who have elected to opt out of our programs.

Costs will change based on anticipated adoption rates and estimated impacts. The ultimate cost to customers is based on the program's measured results. The design of the energy efficiency rider is that these activities will cost the customer less than the construction of new electric generation facilities.

If you have additional questions, please contact your Duke Energy account manager or our Customer Account Services at BusinessServiceCenter@duke-energy.com.