Duke Energy Progress: A Clean Energy Leader with a Focus on Progress

Introduction

Duke Energy Progress is a leading electric power company serving more than 1.5 million customers in North Carolina and South Carolina. With a strong commitment to clean energy and sustainability, the company is actively working to reduce its carbon footprint and transition to a more sustainable future.

Clean Energy Initiatives

Duke Energy Progress is making significant investments in clean energy initiatives to reduce its carbon emissions and provide its customers with renewable energy options.

• Solar Generation: The company has invested heavily in solar power, with plans to add over 5,000 megawatts of solar capacity by 2030. This will help to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and provide customers with a clean and affordable energy source.
• Wind Generation: Duke Energy Progress is also expanding its wind energy portfolio, with plans to add over 2,000 megawatts of wind capacity by 2030. This will further diversify its energy mix and provide customers with a reliable and sustainable power source.
• Battery Storage: The company is exploring the use of battery storage to store excess energy generated from renewable sources. This will help to balance the grid and ensure a consistent supply of power to customers.

Grid Modernization

Duke Energy Progress is also investing in grid modernization efforts to improve the reliability and efficiency of its distribution system.

• Smart Metering: The company is installing smart meters at customer homes and businesses to provide real-time data on energy usage. This information can help customers manage their energy consumption and reduce their bills.
• Distribution Automation: Duke Energy Progress is installing automated switches and sensors on its distribution system to detect and respond to power outages quickly and efficiently. This will help to reduce outage durations and improve the quality of service for customers.
• Resiliency Upgrades: The company is also making investments in grid hardening and resilience measures to protect its infrastructure from extreme weather events and cyber threats.

Customer Focus

Customer satisfaction is a top priority for Duke Energy Progress. The company offers a variety of programs and services to help its customers save energy and reduce their bills.

• Energy Efficiency Programs: Duke Energy Progress offers a range of energy efficiency programs, including home energy audits, rebates for energy-efficient appliances, and weatherization services. These programs help customers reduce their energy consumption and save money on their bills.
• Bill Assistant Programs: The company offers bill assistance programs for low-income customers who need help paying their bills. These programs provide financial assistance and counseling services to help customers manage their energy expenses.
• Customer Service: Duke Energy Progress provides excellent customer service through a variety of channels, including online, phone, and in-person assistance. The company is committed to resolving customer issues quickly and efficiently.

Data Tables

Table 1: Duke Energy Progress Clean Energy Portfolio

Table 2: Duke Energy Progress Grid Modernization Investments

Table 3: Duke Energy Progress Customer Savings

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1:

A customer named Mary installed a smart meter at her home through Duke Energy Progress's energy efficiency program. After monitoring her energy usage for a few months, she realized that she was using a significant amount of electricity in the evening. By making simple changes to her habits, such as turning off lights when leaving a room and unplugging unused electronics, she was able to reduce her energy usage by 15% and save money on her bills.

Lesson Learned: Monitoring energy usage and making simple changes to habits can lead to significant energy savings.

Story 2:

A small business owner named John participated in Duke Energy Progress's business energy assessment program. The assessment identified several areas where he could improve the energy efficiency of his business, such as upgrading to energy-efficient lighting and installing a programmable thermostat. By implementing these recommendations, John was able to reduce his energy consumption by 20% and save over $5,000 annually on his energy bills.

Lesson Learned: Energy efficiency upgrades can provide significant cost savings for businesses.

Story 3:

A community group worked with Duke Energy Progress to install solar panels on a community center. The solar panels offset a significant portion of the center's electricity usage and provided the community with a clean and renewable energy source. The project helped to raise awareness of clean energy and inspired other community groups to explore renewable energy options.

Lesson Learned: Community projects can play a role in promoting clean energy and sustainability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When partnering with Duke Energy Progress for energy efficiency or renewable energy projects, there are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Not conducting a thorough energy assessment: Before implementing any energy-saving measures, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive energy assessment to identify potential areas for improvement.
• Overestimating or underestimating savings: It is important to have realistic expectations about the potential savings from energy efficiency or renewable energy projects. Duke Energy Progress can provide customers with data and estimates to help them make informed decisions.
• Ignoring maintenance and upkeep: Energy-saving measures require regular maintenance and upkeep to ensure they are operating efficiently. Duke Energy Progress offers maintenance and support services to help customers keep their systems operating at peak performance.

Step-by-Step Approach to Energy Efficiency

1. Conduct an energy assessment: Identify areas where you can reduce energy consumption.
2. Choose energy-saving measures: Explore options such as smart metering, energy-efficient appliances, and solar panels.
3. Implement measures: Install energy-saving measures and make changes to habits.
4. Monitor and evaluate: Track your energy savings and make adjustments as needed.

Call to Action

Duke Energy Progress is committed to providing its customers with clean, affordable, and reliable energy. The company encourages customers to explore its energy efficiency and renewable energy programs to save money and reduce their carbon footprint. By working together, we can build a more sustainable future for our communities.