Following colder-than-usual winter weather in the Sunshine State, Duke Energy Florida is encouraging customers to complete a free Home Energy Check (for residential customers) or Business Energy Check (for commercial customers), allowing them to reevaluate their energy goals and take advantage of available rebate programs that can save them money in the short term and continue reducing their electric bills for years to come.
"Duke Energy Florida understands that extreme weather can drive up electric bills," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. "That's why we want to remind our customers about the benefits of Home and Business Energy Checks. At no charge to them, both residential and commercial customers can learn how to save energy from our team of experts, which will qualify them for cost savings if they follow through on recommended upgrades. It's a simple process that can have a lasting impact on their wallets."
Home Energy Checks
Home Energy Checks can be completed one of the following ways – all of which are free to residential customers: Online, through a simple, self-directed questionnaire; over the phone, with a Duke Energy advisor explaining the audit process; or in person, which involves a Duke Energy advisor coming to the home to perform the comprehensive assessment.
After the Home Energy Check is complete, customers will receive a report of their past and current energy usage, as well as recommendations to increase their energy efficiency. Every two years, they can also get an energy efficiency kit mailed to their home – again, at no cost to them – with energy-saving products, such as an LED light bulb and a fridge/freezer thermometer, which can be put to use immediately.
Participating customers may then be eligible for a range of rebate programs that could save them up to $1,700 in home improvements, including upgrading attic insulation, testing and repairing ducts and replacing HVACs and windows with energy-efficient alternatives.
Business Energy Checks
Commercial customers can complete a free Business Energy Check by either answering a few brief questions online or – the more thorough option – participating in an on-site analysis with a Duke Energy advisor.
If these customers choose the on-site Business Energy Check, they will receive a personalized report of their energy usage and recommendations to increase their energy efficiency, as well as a business-specific energy efficiency kit, at no cost to them.
These customers may then qualify for rebate programs to offset the costs of various energy efficiency projects throughout their businesses, including retrofitting and new construction of chiller systems, energy recovery ventilation and unitary AC systems and heat pumps.
Help for Customers
Duke Energy Florida strives to keep residential and commercial customers' bills as low as possible, offering several tools – like the Home and Business Energy Checks – that can help manage their energy use, as well as flexible payment plans to help them avoid fees.
Additional assistance programs, such as the income-qualified Weatherization Program and the Share the Light Fund®, are also available to help residential customers in need.
