Customers can stay cool with Duke Energy energy assistance programs

As temperatures rise, Duke Energy officials are reminding their customers to check out assistance programs to help them save energy and money.

There are three categories of programs: energy efficiency, flexible payment options and programs designed for income-qualified customers, according to a Duke Energy news release.

Energy efficiency assistance ranges from simple conservation tips to a number of programs to help customers use less energy. This includes usage alerts; power manager, which offers customers financial incentives to let the company make minor arguments to their thermostats; and home audits, which gives them free in-home energy efficiency assessments.

Billing and payment options include budget billing, Pick Your Due Date, and installment payment plans. Income-qualified programs include the Weatherization Program and the Share the Light Fund, the company says.

For more information on these programs, go to duke-energy.com or call 800-521-2232.