Duke Energy is urging North Carolina customers to take a few low-effort steps to hold down heating bills. The advice comes as a cold snap reaches the state that, according to the utility, could produce the season's first widespread frost and freeze this weekend. The company released the guidance on Nov. 13, 2026, alongside a warning of below-average temperatures.
Why the cold matters for bills
Duke said a household does not have to adjust its thermostat for colder weather to affect its energy use. When it is colder outside, a heating system must run for longer stretches to keep rooms warm, and the utility said that extra run time can raise both consumption and costs.
The release cites the National Weather Service as expecting overnight lows in the low to mid 30s across many areas. The agency also expects the colder air to hang on until around the middle of next week.
What the utility recommends
Most of Duke's suggestions draw on estimates from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE):
- Close up gaps. Duke cites a DOE estimate that weatherstripping or caulking leaks around vents, windows and doors can lower heating costs by 10% to 20%.
- Manage window coverings. About 30% of a home's heating energy escapes through windows, the DOE reports. Duke advises letting sunlight in by day and drawing blinds or curtains after dark to hold warmth indoors.
- Lower the thermostat. According to the DOE, each degree it is turned down over an eight-hour period trims heating costs by 1%. Duke suggests dropping it a couple of degrees while away, or scheduling a smart thermostat to do so automatically.
- Reverse ceiling fans. A small switch on the motor of most fans changes their direction, and Duke said a clockwise spin sends warm air back down into the room.
Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy's North Carolina state president, said the measures are simple and fast to put in place, which suits an abrupt overnight plunge in temperatures. She said the company hopes customers will remember them over the coming days. Duke directed customers to duke-energy.com/WinterTips for more resources.
How federal advice compares
Winter guidance published by the DOE's Office of Indian Energy repeats the window-loss figure and also recommends sealing leaks. It goes further on thermostats, proposing a setback of 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day while occupants are away or asleep, which it says can cut heating bills by as much as 10% per year. Among its other suggestions are replacing incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs, keeping to a routine maintenance schedule for heating systems, and unplugging devices that are not in use.
About the company
The tips were issued in a company press release. Charlotte-based Duke Energy says its electric utilities serve 8.7 million customers across six states, while its natural gas business supplies 1.6 million customers in four states.
Sources
- PR Newswire
- Energy.gov (Public domain (US government work))
