How to get control of your energy bill, and how to get help if you can't

The Triangle has already seen record heat this year, and July is historically the hottest month of the year. Five On Your Side took a home tour with Duke Energy earlier this year to show you easy ways to lower your energy bill. However, many still struggle to make their monthly payment.

Five On Your Side recently received an email from Alan Floyd titled: Electricity Being Disconnected. The Clayton resident owed Duke Energy $240 and feared Duke Energy would disconnect his power in days, as he waited for Social Security money.

Five On Your Side connected with Duke Energy officials, who insisted that Floyd was never in jeopardy of losing his power but offered to put him on a more manageable payment plan.

Floyd was grateful for the assistance and sent a follow-up email. “I’m not sure what you did but thank you so much. I will be eternally grateful,” he wrote.

Duke Energy tells Five On Your Side that there is a team dedicated to assisting customers with managing their bill. So be sure to reach out to them first.

Duke Energy offers due date extension plans, disconnection date extension plans and installment plans.

To see if you’re eligible click here.

You can also help people in need out by donating to the Share the Light Fund.

To apply for assistance through the Share the Light Fund click here.

If you’re not in need of assistance but would like to maintain more control over your bill you can enroll in budget billing, which will even out your monthly bill.