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Energy Revolution: Our Energy Efficiency in Schools Program Educating our youth about energy conservation

Live Theatre Teaches Children

Sustainable energy is important to our community and our future. We use live theater to teach children the importance of conservation in a unique and memorable way.

Duke Energy is proud to partner with The National Theatre for Children (NTC) to promote conservation and energy-efficiency education for grades K-8 in its service communities. This organization uses professional actors to teach students about energy efficiency through engaging, comical and informative live theater sketches.

Each performance also includes grade-appropriate workbooks for each student, comprehensive teacher guides, internet activities and classroom posters. After the show, students are encouraged to have their parents sign up to receive a free home energy-efficiency kit to continue reinforcing the importance of energy conservation, and to help them understand how it can translate into practical applications in their homes.

The Energy Efficiency in Schools program is currently available in the following service territories:

Map of Service Area and School Districts
Energy Efficiency Kit

It’s smart energy.

Many students who participated in this school program requested Energy Efficiency kits be mailed to their homes after the performance.

Take the first steps toward saving energy and money, and demonstrating the importance of energy efficiency at home, by installing the easy-to use items shown below. These free products will help you improve your energy use with:

Lighting
Just one ENERGY STAR® compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb can save about $40 or more in electricity costs over its lifetime. Don’t wait until your existing light bulbs burn out to jump-start the savings. Replace your two most frequently used incandescent light bulbs today!

Heating and Cooling
Stop air leaks from drafty electrical outlets and light switch covers – you can save money and increase your comfort.

Hot Water
Faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads reduce both the amount of water needed and the energy used to heat it. According to ENERGY STAR, water heating accounts for 14 percent of the average utility bill. That’s more than the average cost of lighting on an energy bill.

Teachers and Students Rave

Rave reviews.

We could tell you about how The National Theatre for Children (NTC) program is received in our communities, but no one would describe it better than the students and teachers who experienced and enjoyed it.

This fantastic, high-energy program not only kept my children entertained but also taught them valuable information that can be used at school and at home. Thank you! The kiddos had a blast!

– Gini Sellers, Kindergarten teacher, Lincoln Charter School, Denver, NC

The program kept the children’s attention. It was very informative and enjoyable. My own child (he’s 6) couldn’t wait to complete the booklet. He was also very excited about signing up for the energy kit. Great show! Awesome actors!

– Lynn Wicker, third-grade teacher, Boundary Street Elementary, Newberry, SC

The actors engaged the children and were able to reach even our non-English speakers with their gestures and visual aids. A very nice program. Thank you.

– Robin Robb, first-grade teacher, Ecole Francaise Bilingue, Greenville, SC

The actors were GREAT! Their enthusiasm was contagious and the kids (and teachers) really enjoyed them. I think the message was clear and easy to understand… nice job!

– Terri Baroch, fourth-grade teacher, Freedom Elementary School, West Chester, OH

Excellent job. Great performers and great curriculum taught in a fun way the kids will remember.

– Sara Jones, third-grade teacher, Indian Hill Elementary, Cincinnati, OH

This was one of the BEST educational and FUN assemblies I have attended in my 30+ years of teaching. Wow!!

– Deb Hogue, fourth-grade teacher, Kramer Elementary, Oxford, OH

This was a fantastic performance - short enough to keep students engaged and fun enough to keep them interested through the entire skit! BRAVO!

– Beth Davis, fifth-grade teacher, Kramer, Oxford, OH

Great presentation. Very informative, energetic and on grade level.

– Gregg Iverson, eigth-grade teacher, Welborn Academy of Science & Technology, High Point, NC

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is Duke Energy’s Energy Education program?

Duke Energy has partnered with The National Theatre for Children to present our new Energy Education in Schools program. Duke Energy and The National Theatre for Children have developed a customized curriculum that teaches core educational concepts about energy, resources and how students can use energy wisely. The centerpiece of the curriculum is a live theatrical production delivered by professional actors. The program, called “Showdown at Resource Ranch,” features a cast of zany characters including the wasting resource villain Billy the Kit, energy-wise Reginald the Cow and Blabby Daze, and our resource hero extraordinaire, Sheriff Gooper.

In addition to the performance, what other tools are available?

In addition to the performance, every student receives a print or digital workbook of project-based assignments that incorporate math and science concepts. Teacher guides for every instructor include tips for in-class discussion and homework assignments that build on student knowledge. The take-home work engages parents, who are encouraged to participate by ordering a free Energy Efficiency Starter Kit of easily installed devices that will immediately begin saving energy. All workbooks, interactive whiteboard activities, assignments and other activities align with state curriculum requirements. The kit is available at no cost to all students whether or not their families are served by Duke Energy.

What is the Energy Efficiency Survey?

The short survey is provided by Duke Energy in order to show families how they can make their homes more energy-efficient and save money on their energy bills. The survey features questions about energy use in your home. Families can complete the printed survey or take the survey online at ResourceReward.org.

What should I do with the prepaid mailing envelope?

The prepaid mailing envelope can be used to return your completed Energy Efficiency Survey to Duke Energy.

Why should my family complete the energy efficiency survey?

Once your energy efficiency survey is completed and sent to Duke Energy, your family will receive an Energy Efficiency Starter Kit with energy-saving tools and tips to help you reduce energy use at home.

Whom should we contact with questions about the program?

If you have any questions about Duke Energy’s energy efficiency program or the energy efficiency survey, please call 800.347.8301 for assistance. You can also email your questions to PowerinEnergy@duke-energy.com.

Why does Duke Energy want us to use less electricity?

Power plants can be costly investments, so helping customers use less energy creates energy savings, which helps us continue to meet customers’ energy needs while delaying new power plants. The energy saved can also help reduce the need for Duke Energy to turn on older, less efficient plants, which is good for the environment.

EXPLANATION OF QUESTIONS ON THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY SURVEY

Question 1: How many compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) do you have installed in your home?

This question refers to the number of (CFLs) installed in your home. You can find the answer by counting the total number of CFLs that you are currently using to light your home. A CFL is an energy-saving light bulb that uses 75 percent less energy than an incandescent bulb. In appearance, a CFL often has a spiral tube instead of a regular rounded incandescent bulb.

Question 2: What temperature is your thermostat most likely to be set at in the winter? In the summer?

This question asks you to estimate the typical temperature your thermostat is set at during the winter months and during the summer months. A “typical” day refers to all days except holidays with guests, days with extra door traffic and days that are extremely hot or cold, which can influence your thermostat setting.

Question 3: Where are most of the heating and cooling vents located in your home?

The best way to determine where the heating and cooling vents are located in your home is to check your ceilings, walls and floors to see if you can locate them. Make sure to look under furniture and behind curtains when trying to locate vents. If you can’t determine this after looking to see where they are located, the answer you should put on the survey is “Not Applicable.”

Question 4: Do you notice uneven temperatures between the different rooms in your home?

This question refers to whether or not the temperature in your home varies from room to room. If you notice that one room feels colder or hotter than another, without making adjustments to individual thermostats, this means that you have uneven room temperatures in your home.

Question 5: What type of fuel do you use to heat your home?

Most homeowners may know the answer to this because when their system is serviced, the technician will refer to the heating system based on the type of fuel it uses (electric, gas, propane, etc.). Customers who use propane will have a large gas tank in their yard that needs to be refilled a few times a year by the propane company. Customers with natural gas and oil heat will have a pilot light on their furnace and a flue where exhaust gases vent to the outside.

Question 6: In the winter, do you experience drafts of cold air in your home?

This question refers to cold air leaks or drafts that come into your home through windows, doors, outlets and other places. Cold air drafts can significantly impact the temperature of the room and cause it to feel colder.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY SURVEY AND HOME KIT FAQs

Where can I find my Duke Energy account number?

Your Duke Energy account number is located on your Duke Energy bill.

What if I can't find my Duke Energy bill?

When filling out the Energy Efficiency Survey, if you can’t find your Duke Energy bill with your account number, please refer online to duke-energy.com and log into your online services account or contact Duke Energy’s customer service line (available 24 hours a day) for help:

Kentucky and Ohio residents, call 800.544.6900

North Carolina and South Carolina residents, call 800.777.9898.

What if my account number isn’t working when I type it into the online survey?

When filling out the Energy Efficiency Survey online, if your account number isn’t working, contact Duke Energy’s customer service line (available 24 hours a day) for help:

Kentucky and Ohio residents, call 800.544.6900

North Carolina and South Carolina residents, call 800.777.9898.

Is the Energy Efficiency Starter Kit really free?

Yes. The Energy Efficiency Starter Kits are completely free, including free shipping. Duke Energy is providing the Energy Efficiency Starter Kits free to households in Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina and Ohio in an effort to empower users to conserve energy at home.

What’s in the Energy Efficiency Starter Kit?

The Energy Efficiency Starter Kits contain items designed to help you reduce energy, as well as tips to help you further reduce consumption.

How can I get an Energy Efficiency Starter Kit?

There are two ways to sign up for a free Energy Efficiency Starter Kit:
  1. Go online to ResourceReward.org.
  2. Fill out the postage-paid form provided to your school.

For further assistance with the sign-up, please call our toll-free phone number at 855-38MYKIT (855.386.9548).

Will I be asked to buy anything if I sign up for an Energy Efficiency Starter Kit?

No. You will not be asked to buy anything. The Energy Efficiency Starter Kits are completely free and your personal information is kept private.

Who can sign up for a free Energy Efficiency Starter Kit?

Those who have received the curriculum material and have participated in the live theatrical performance are eligible to receive the Energy Efficiency Starter Kit.

Is there a Spanish version of the sign-up form?

Yes. On the website (ResourceReward.org) there is also a form completely in Spanish. For further assistance with the sign-up in Spanish, please call our toll-free phone number at 855.38MYKIT (855.386.9548).

Will Duke Energy spam or telemarket to me after I give them my information to get an Energy Efficiency Starter Kit?

No. Duke Energy does not share or sell personal information. Duke Energy will not share your information with outside groups and will only use it to deliver your free Energy Efficiency Starter Kit to your home.

The website asks for my Duke Energy account number. What if I don’t have this on hand? Or what if I am not a Duke Energy customer? Can I sign up for an Energy Efficiency Starter Kit?

Yes. You can still sign up for an Energy Efficiency Starter Kit. To ensure successful delivery of the Energy Efficiency Starter Kit, please enter your Duke Energy account number and the residential address tied to your Duke Energy account. If you can’t find your Duke Energy bill with your account number, please refer online at duke-energy.com and log in to your online services account. If you still have questions please contact Duke Energy’s customer service line (available 24 hours a day) for help:

Kentucky and Ohio residents, call 800.544.6900

North Carolina and South Carolina residents, call 800.777.9898.

All customers can email their concerns to: PowerinEnergy@duke-energy.com.

If you are not a Duke Energy customer, please check the box “No, I am not a Duke Energy customer.” and enter 000000 in the Duke Energy account-number field. Non-Duke Energy customers who have participated in the in-school assembly may be eligible for a partial kit.

I live in an apartment building where my landlord pays the energy bill. Can I still get an Energy Efficiency Starter Kit?

Yes! To ensure the successful delivery of the Energy Efficiency Starter Kit, please ask your landlord for your account number or be sure to include your apartment or unit number as a part of your address.

Why is Duke Energy giving away free Energy Efficiency Starter Kits?

Duke Energy is providing free Energy Efficiency Starter Kits to households in Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina and Ohio to help reduce energy consumption. This effort will lower energy usage and costs in households, plus conserve resources for their efforts.

I received an Energy Efficiency Starter Kit last year. Can I get another this year?

Unfortunately, Duke Energy can only provide one Energy Efficiency Starter Kit per household over a 36-month period, so if you received a kit last year, you will not be able to receive one this year.

Are CFLs safe to use?

CFLs contain very small amounts of mercury sealed within the glass tubing — an average of 4 milligrams — which is about the amount that would cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. By comparison, older thermometers contain about 500 milligrams of mercury. It would take 100 CFLs to equal that amount. The mercury is held within the bulb and is not released unless the bulb is broken. Most makers of light bulbs have reduced mercury in their fluorescent lighting products. Thanks to technology advances and a commitment from members of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, the average mercury content in CFLs has dropped at least 20 percent or more in the past several years. Some manufacturers have even made further reductions, dropping mercury content to 1 milligram per light bulb. All CFLs provided through Duke Energy’s optional program are UL and ENERGY STAR® rated and should be used and disposed of by customers in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, CFLs may flicker, dim and emit an odor or smoke at the end of their lives. Mercury currently is an essential component of CFLs and is what allows the bulb to be an efficient light source. No mercury is released when the bulbs are intact or in use. For information on CFL disposal please visit: epa.gov/cfl.

I have not received my home Energy Efficiency Starter Kit.

Thank you for completing the “MyEnergyKit” sign-up form and survey to receive a free home Energy Efficiency Starter Kit. The kit will be shipped via FedEx to your Duke Energy customer billing address on file with Duke Energy. It can also be shipped to a P.O. Box billing address. Please expect delivery within four to six weeks from confirmation of the survey receipt. If you have already received a kit within the last three years, you will not be allowed to receive a duplicate kit.

We received the kit but can hear broken glass inside, and we don’t want to open it due to the mercury in the bulbs.

Please contact AM Conservation at 888.474.0444 to receive a replacement for your broken items.

CONTEST QUESTIONS

Can one person order enough Energy Efficiency Starter Kits for everyone at the school and can our school distribute them to everyone?

No. To receive an Energy Efficiency Starter Kit, each individual household must sign up for them independently.

“Showdown at Resource Ranch” visited my child’s school months ago. Can I still sign up for an Energy Efficiency Starter Kit?

Yes. You can still sign up. Please visit MyEnergyKit.org, or use the sign-up form provided to your school. For further assistance, please call toll-free at 1-855-38MYKIT (855.386.9548). Sign-up forms must be received by June 30, 2014, to be eligible for the contest.

When will the winners be announced?

The winners will be announced July 21, 2014.

How can I keep track of my school’s progress and number of Energy Efficiency Starter Kits in the contest?

The National Theatre for Children will contact your school with updates on your school’s progress throughout the school year. You can also call 855-38MYKIT to find out your school’s progress, or visit TrackMySignups.org.

What are the chances that my school will win a prize?

Each participating school that has 100 unique sign-ups will be awarded $100 and be entered in a drawing for $1,000. A participating school with a minimum of 150 unique sign-ups will be awarded $100 and be placed in a drawing for $1,500. A participating school with a minimum of 200 unique sign-ups will be awarded $100 and placed into a drawing for $2,000. The odds of winning and total maximum prize amount are dependent on the number of valid submissions. A unique sign-up is defined as one per household (no duplicates accepted) that has all the contact information entered correctly and all the survey questions completed.