Energy Efficiency Opt-In/Opt-Out Provision
What is the Energy Efficiency Opt-In/Opt-Out Provision?
Duke Energy’s energy efficiency (EE) plan is one way we’re working to meet rising energy demand by helping our customers conserve energy. The plan encourages the continued development and implementation of energy efficiency conservation programs for our customers. The plan also provides certain customers the ability to opt out of participating in the energy efficiency plan if they have already completed energy efficiency measures on their own, and meet the following eligibility requirements:
Opt-In/Opt-Out Eligibility
The Public Service Commission of South Carolina has approved the following eligibility requirements:
- Duke Energy industrial accounts in South Carolina may elect to not participate in our energy efficiency and/or demand response programs. In order to opt out, they must notify Duke Energy and certify that the company has performed, at their own expense, an energy audit or analysis within the three-year period preceding the opt-out request. In addition, they must implement or plan to implement the cost-effective energy efficiency measures recommended in that audit or analysis. Only industrial accounts on rate schedules I, OPT, HP, PG, MP, GB and IT are eligible to opt out.
- Industrial customers who begin new service have 60 days from their meter start date to notify Duke Energy of their election to opt out. Existing customers may not opt in or out until the annual enrollment period opens (Nov. 1 to Dec. 31). Demand response decisions can be made annually. Once a customer opts in to the Rider EE Demand-Side Management (DSM) component, the customer will pay the DSM portion of the Rider. If the customer participates in a DSM program, the customer is required to pay the Rider EE DSM cost for three years.
- Customers can opt in or out of Rider EE annually, on an account by account basis as long as the individual account meets eligibility and rate schedule requirements.
- To opt in or out, complete the appropriate form found below. Once the form is submitted, qualifying customers will receive written confirmation of their new election status.
Before submitting a request for exemption from this valuable suite of energy-saving programs, we strongly encourage you to contact your Duke Energy Account Manager. By opting out, you forego the opportunity to take advantage of energy efficiency and demand-side management measures, which can improve your bottom line and lower your cost of doing business.
