Rates went up for Duke Energy customers in NC. Use these strategies to save on your bill

If you’re one of the 1.4 million Duke Energy customers in North Carolina, you probably noticed an increase on your electric bill last year.

The rate hike, which went into effect June 1, will help pay for nearly $3 billion of the costs associated with Duke Energy’s effort to clean coal ash that it stored at power plants across the state. The company agreed to a settlement last year that will save customers $1.1 billion in costs.

Coal ash contains toxins like mercury and arsenic that could pollute waterways, groundwater and drinking water if it is left unmanaged, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Here’s how much the rates went up, and some ways you can reduce the cost of your electric bill.

How much more are Duke Energy customers paying?

Rates increased by an average of 4.7% across all customer groups, according to Duke Energy.

The average rate increase was 5.3% for residential customers, 4.7% for commercial customers and 3.6% for industrial customers.

The company said the new rates are reduced by customer savings from federal state tax reform. As those savings are applied to customers, rates will adjust after two years and again after five years.

Last month, Duke Energy filed a request to increase rates by 7.9% to account for rising fuel costs, but it has not been approved by the N.C. Utilities Commission.

How can you save money on utilities?

Try solar energy.

It is the fastest growing and most affordable source of new electricity in the U.S., according to energy.gov.

Solar panels can cost anywhere from $3,500 to $35,000 depending on the type and model, but they can save you money in the long run. You can visit solar-estimate.org to calculate how much you’ll save by using solar energy.

Here are some other ways you can reduce the cost of your energy bill:

• Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs like compact fluorescent and LED bulbs.

• Change your air filters regularly so your HVAC system runs more efficiently.

• Keep your air vents open and clear.

• Replace your old appliances with new ones that have an Energy Star label.

• Seal air leaks around your doors and windows.

• Turn off lights, appliances and electronics when you’re not using them.

• Install a dimmer to reduce wattage and output of your lights.

• Install a programmable thermostat.

• Use cold water when you do laundry.

Evan Moore

The Charlotte Observer

Evan Moore is a service journalism reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.