01/29/2026
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Jan. 29, 2026
Low temperatures drive higher energy use; Duke Energy is here to
help with ways to manage your bill
• Prolonged cold this week and next week will drive higher energy use
• Duke Energy is here to help with energy-saving tips, flexible billing, savings
programs and assistance resources
PLAINFIELD, Ind. – Prolonged below-normal temperatures are pushing home energy use
higher across Indiana – and higher use can mean higher bills. Duke Energy is sharing practical
steps and flexible options to help customers manage costs during this cold stretch.
What’s happening: Indiana is experiencing an unusually long stretch of cold weather, with
weeks of temperatures below freezing – about 20 to 25 degrees below what’s typical for this
time of year.
• It could be the longest cold stretch since February 2021.
Why it matters: When temperatures stay low, heating systems run longer to maintain comfort –
the primary driver of higher home energy use.
We’re here to help: Here are simple steps and flexible options to help you save energy and
take control of your bill during this extended cold stretch.
Tips to help you save: Small actions can add up.
• Set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting.
• Seal leaks and insulate to keep warm air inside.
• Let the sun help heat your home by opening blinds and curtains during the day and
closing them at night.
• Operate ceiling fans clockwise to push warm air down.
Rates & rewards
• Smart thermostat rewards – Get $75 through an initial bill credit and $25 annually after
that when you enroll a qualifying smart thermostat in Power Manager® Participants
agree to brief adjustments to their thermostat temperature, no more than 4 degrees,
typically for one to two hours during periods of peak electricity demand.
• Smart Usage Option (time-of-use rate) – Lower your energy costs by shifting some
energy use to off-peak times.
Duke Energy News Release 2
Take control of how you pay: Explore your payment options.
• Pick Your Due Date – Choose the date your monthly bill is due to align with payday.
• Due Date Extensions – If you know you won’t be able to pay by the due date, request a
short extension.
• Installment Plans – Break down payments on a past-due balance over time.
Need more help?
• Payment Assistance Finder – Locate local organizations that offer utility bill assistance
on Duke Energy’s website.
• Share the Light Fund® – Duke Energy shareholder and community contributions that
help qualifying customers pay energy bills.
• Call 211 – Get connected to additional community resources in your area.
For more information and to get started, visit duke-energy.com/WinterEnergySavings.
Duke Energy Indiana
Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides about 6,300 megawatts of owned
electric capacity to approximately 920,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area,
making it Indiana’s largest electric supplier
