Switch

Demand is the amount of electricity needed at any given time. Power usage fluctuates hourly due to weather conditions, business hours of commercial and industrial companies, and residential electric usage. The time when this combined demand reaches its maximum level is referred to as the peak.

The program uses smart technology to reduce energy use from major home appliances—like central air systems, heat pumps with resistive strip heat, and electric water heaters—during periods of high electricity demand, known as "events."

When you enroll, Duke Energy will send an approved contractor (at no cost to you) to install a small device on your selected appliance.

• Air Conditioners: The compressor cycles off and on every half hour, while the fan continues running.
• Heat Strips: These cycle off during peak hours, typically between 6–9 a.m. Water heaters retain heat due to insulation.
• Water Heaters: These cycle off during peak hours and may be controlled year-round as needed by the program.

The process is fully automatic and requires no action from you. Certain households may experience minor fluctuations in temperature, depending on their level of energy efficiency. Reducing your HVAC or water heater runtime during peak demand periods helps reduce the use of less efficient and more expensive power sources needed to meet electricity demand. This reduction helps the environment and helps delay the need to build additional power plants.

Typically, the energy usage on your bill remains the same since we are simply shifting usage to a different time of day.

The program is intended for use on days when electricity demand is at its highest levels. Events are most likely to occur Monday through Friday, on summer afternoons or winter mornings. Duke Energy reserves the right to call an event outside of these parameters if continuity of service is at risk.

Events may occur several times per month when electricity demand reaches peak levels. If the weather is mild, events may not occur at all. When an event does occur, it typically lasts two to three hours.

Check the webpage for an alert message.

Renters can participate in the program. The landlord/owner of the rented property must sign a Tenant Authorization Form agreeing that the property can be enrolled. Return the form as instructed before enrolling the property.

You only need to be home for AC control device installation if you have a locked gate or need to arrange care for animals. You will need to be at home for a Heat Strip control device installation and/or an electric water heater device installation. You can schedule your installation at your convenience during your enrollment.

The installation is typically completed within 30 to 45 days following enrollment.

Your initial bill credits for each enrolled appliance will be reflected on your statement within two billing cycles following acceptance into the program. In addition, AC control device participants will receive annual credits on their May through November bills. Heat Strip control device participants and Water Heater control device participants will receive annual credits on their December through April bills.

No. Participation is free and there are no installation or maintenance charges.

If you have at least one of the qualifying electric systems, you can participate. For example, even if you have gas heat and water heating, you may enroll your central air conditioning system and participate.

Please have the service technician call 866.541.8886 before allowing them to proceed.

After the installation is complete, call 866.541.8886 and request to have the program device reconnected. There is no charge for this service.

Yes, customers on a Time-of-Use rate can also participate in EnergyWise Home.