August 5, 2025

Duke Energy Expands Energy Efficiency Incentives in South Carolina

News Summary

Duke Energy has announced enhanced energy efficiency incentives for South Carolina residents and businesses, effective August 1. These changes will double or even triple some incentives, allowing customers to reduce energy costs. Duke Energy’s commitment to sustainability, backed by the S.C. Energy Security Act, aims to encourage energy conservation. The program expansions include bill credits for shifting usage and increased rewards for businesses, as well as support for nonprofits aiding aging residents. These improvements reflect Duke Energy’s goals of energy efficiency and community support.

South Carolina residents and businesses will benefit from enhanced energy efficiency incentives recently approved by the Public Service Commission of South Carolina. Duke Energy has increased both the incentives and eligibility for its energy efficiency and demand response programs, with the new updates officially launching on August 1, 2025.

The latest changes will significantly boost financial incentives for customers. In some cases, incentives have doubled or even tripled, offering a valuable opportunity for customers to reduce their energy costs. This expansion aims to enhance energy savings and promote more effective energy management among consumers.

Tim Pearson, Duke Energy’s South Carolina president, highlighted the importance of the updated programs in the context of the recent enactment of the S.C. Energy Security Act. These initiatives are part of the company’s broader commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability in the region.

The improved residential programs will allow customers to better manage their energy usage while receiving bill credits for shifting their energy consumption to lower-demand periods. By participating in these programs, families can optimize their energy use and potentially lower their utility bills.

Business customers are also set to experience increased incentives, with average rewards for energy efficiency and demand response programs rising by 20% to 25%. This increase will encourage businesses to participate in the programs, driving effort toward sustainable practices and cost savings.

In addition to the incentive expansions, Duke Energy will introduce expanded assistance programs in 2025 for qualifying customers. This initiative aims to provide additional options for those looking to save on their energy costs while maintaining safe and effective electricity use.

Duke Energy is currently investing in major upgrades to the electric grid and is focusing on cleaner energy generation across its services. The company serves over 8.4 million customers in several states across the Southeastern United States, with a long-term goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050.

As part of its community engagement initiatives, the Duke Energy Foundation is allocating $200,000 in grants to organizations in South Carolina that assist aging residents, particularly those facing income challenges. Approved organizations will receive grants of $10,000 each to facilitate meal provision and make infrastructure improvements, such as installing wheelchair ramps for seniors.

The Duke Energy Foundation invests over $30 million annually in philanthropic support to help meet the various needs of communities served by the company. South Carolina nonprofits and governmental agencies can apply for grants up to $20,000 through the 2025 Helping Emergency Response Organizations (HERO) Grant Program. This program emphasizes the importance of severe weather emergency preparedness, especially for low-income communities.

A total of $500,000 is available through the HERO Grant Program, which focuses on improving disaster planning and recovery efforts. Eligible organizations are encouraged to apply for funding by April 25, promoting initiatives that target equipment upgrades, communication tools, training, storm shelters, and overall preparedness activities.

These combined efforts reflect Duke Energy’s commitment to advancing energy efficiency and sustainability while supporting the local community’s needs. As the company rolls out these new programs and incentives, it aims to create a more sustainable and economically feasible energy future for residents and businesses in South Carolina.

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