Energy demand spikes as Duke urges customers to cut usage
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Duke Energy is urging customers across North Carolina to reduce their electricity usage as high heat and humidity drive up demand, and threaten to leave households with sharply higher bills.
On Monday, David Beller of Raleigh brought his sons, Duncan and Charlie, to the Millbrook Exchange Pool to stay cool without relying on their home's air conditioning.
Beller said the family is keeping its thermostat higher than usual to save money.
"We're trying to keep the thermostat, during the day, right around 78 degrees. That's also an incentive to get outside and do stuff," he said.
Duke Energy reported that by July 4, electricity demand across North Carolina surged 43% above normal. The company said HVAC systems have been working overtime in the recent heat and recommended customers have their units serviced every six months.
Caroline Fountain, a Duke Energy spokesperson, said clean air filters are essential.
"Making sure that your air filters are clean. If they're dirty, it's going to make it even hard for that air flow to go throughout your home and use more energy," Fountain said.
The company also advised customers to close blinds and curtains during the hottest parts of the day, avoid using ovens, dryers and other heat producing appliances during peak afternoon hours, and set thermostats to the highest comfortable temperature. Fountain added that fans can help reduce reliance on air conditioning.
"Using ceiling fans, you can feel up to 4 degrees cooler just by using a fan and not even touching a dial," she said.
Beller said he expects his bill to rise significantly.
"I know that our bill was going to be already, like $30 or $40 dollars than this at this time last year," he said.
Duke Energy said customers will soon begin receiving higher bills reflecting last month's usage. The company said customers can spread out payments over several months or adjust their due dates.
