ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Just in time for colder temperatures, Duke Energy customers could save some money on their next energy bill.

Beginning December 1, 2024, rates for Duke Energy Progress residential customers in North Carolina will be reduced by 4.5%.

What are the savings for a typical customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per month? You should see a total drop of $7.34.

“For perspective, that’s about 11% less than the national average, which doesn’t sound like much, but that difference saves you about $235 each year. The real driver of these savings is lower fuel costs, just as you’ve seen with lower gas prices at the pump. “We are seeing lower prices for the fuel used to run our power plants, and we are passing those savings on to our customers,” said Bill Norton, principal communications manager for Duke Energy.

Industrial customers will see an average decline of less than 0.1%. Duke Energy Progress serves approximately 1.5 million customers in central and eastern North Carolina, including Raleigh, and the Asheville region.

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For Duke Energy Carolinas customers in Western North Carolina, the savings come a little later. From January 1, 2025, residential customers can expect a 3.6% decrease in their bills. Some additional savings for customers in the Carolinas could also occur after the first of the year.

According to Duke Energy: “To ensure accurate rates, the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) annually reviews the cost of fuel required to generate electricity for customers and provides rider updates for state programs to promote clean energy adoption and the to reduce energy consumption.” The NCUC issued its order approving the annual adjustment on November 13. Duke Energy Progress works to actively manage fuel contracts to keep costs as low as possible for customers. Invoices reflect actual fuel costs – customers pay what we pay. In addition, carbon-free nuclear energy supplies approximately half of North Carolina’s electricity generation and helps minimize price fluctuations.”

Learn more about savings on your Duke Energy bill at “Fuel costs and your bill.”