Duke Energy has introduced expanded energy efficiency and demand response incentives for commercial and industrial customers in North Carolina, creating new opportunities for businesses to lower operating costs and improve energy performance. Approved by the North Carolina Utilities Commission and effective January 1, 2025, the updated programs increase incentive levels and broaden eligibility, making it easier for organizations to invest in efficiency upgrades and participate in load management initiatives.

The timing of these updates is especially important as businesses enter the winter season, when heating systems, lighting, and extended operating hours often drive higher electricity use. Duke Energy leadership noted that many incentive levels have doubled or even tripled, positioning 2025 as one of the most financially attractive years for commercial customers to pursue energy-saving improvements and demand response participation.

A major focus of the expanded offerings is demand response. Duke Energy’s PowerShare® program, designed for large commercial and industrial users, now provides increased capacity credits, rising from $3.50 to $5 per kilowatt. This voluntary program allows participating facilities to reduce load during peak demand periods and receive financial compensation in return. By curtailing usage when the grid is under the most stress, businesses can generate new revenue streams while contributing to overall system reliability.

Smaller and mid-sized organizations can benefit from EnergyWise Business, a similar program tailored to lower load profiles. Incentives for this program have increased from $30 to $50 per average kilowatt saved. Participants maintain control over how they reduce or shift energy use, whether through operational changes, equipment scheduling, or automation strategies. These higher payments strengthen the value proposition for facilities that can respond flexibly during peak winter demand.

Beyond demand response, Duke Energy business rebates for energy efficiency upgrades have increased across many categories, with average incentive levels rising 20% to 25%. These rebates support improvements such as high-efficiency HVAC systems, advanced lighting, building controls, and other technologies that permanently reduce energy consumption. Duke Energy Business Energy Advisors work with commercial and industrial customers to identify qualifying projects and help align technical solutions with available incentives.

Weatherization incentives also play a role in improving building performance, particularly in colder months. Enhancements to insulation, air sealing, and building envelope efficiency help reduce heat loss, stabilize indoor temperatures, and lower the load on heating systems. For commercial facilities, weatherization measures can deliver consistent energy savings year after year while improving occupant comfort and reducing maintenance strain on mechanical equipment.

Winter energy savings are often driven by heating efficiency, control strategies, and building envelope performance. Commercial rebates reduce the upfront cost of these improvements, allowing businesses to implement higher-efficiency systems that cut peak demand and lower monthly utility bills during the coldest periods of the year.

From a financial perspective, incentives shorten payback periods and improve return on investment. When Duke Energy business rebates and weatherization incentives are applied, capital costs decline while the full value of ongoing energy savings remains. This combination accelerates breakeven timelines and strengthens long-term cash flow, making efficiency projects more attractive within capital planning and budget cycles.

With expanded incentive levels and broader program access in 2025, Duke Energy is enabling commercial customers to capture meaningful winter energy savings, reduce operational risk from volatile energy costs, and improve overall facility performance. The enhanced rebates and demand response programs provide a strategic pathway for businesses to invest in efficiency today while realizing sustained financial and operational benefits in the years ahead.

Click here to read the full article, originally published January 6, 2026, by Duke Energy.