Energy bills will be higher for many NC residents this month. Here’s why
With back-to-back weeks of snow in North Carolina, utility companies are warning customers about their energy bills.
“You may notice your latest bill is higher than usual,“ an email from Enbridge Gas to many North Carolina customers, sent Wednesday, Feb. 4, reads. “This is because last month’s colder temperatures led to increased natural gas usage in your home. The amount owing reflects how much energy was used, not a change in your rates.”
Duke Energy warned customers “already managing tight household budgets” that the recent cold stretch could be challenging, Kendal Bowman, president of the company’s utility operations in North Carolina, said in a news release.
In a rare move, the utility company issued a conservation plea after the weather, asking customers to cut back on electricity use to help stabilize the grid and prevent outages as demand spiked, The News & Observer reported.
According to Dominion Energy, hot or cold weather can drive up your energy use as heating and cooling systems work harder to keep your home comfortable, often making up about half of your monthly bill — but there are ways to save money.
Here’s what you need to know.
How to save money on your NC utility bill
Here are some ways you can save money on your energy bill, Duke Energy says:
- Set your thermostat as low as comfortably possible when you’re home.
- Run ceiling fans clockwise to push warm air back down.
- Let sunlight in during the day and close blinds at night to keep heat inside.
- Change air filters regularly to keep your system running efficiently.
You can also use the Duke Energy app or sign into your account to monitor spikes in your energy use and adjust habits driving up your bill.
Can NC utility companies turn your power off during freezing weather?
Yes, but there are some protections in place during the colder months, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. According to the N.C. Department of Justice, utilities can’t disconnect service between November and March if the household includes someone who:
- Is disabled or 65 years of age or older
- Are unable to pay their utility bills under an installment plan
- Are certified by a local social service agency as eligible to receive assistance under an energy assistance program
Utility companies must follow strict rules before shutting off power, including giving customers time to pay and providing at least 10 days’ written notice before disconnection, the NCDOJ says. Utilities also can’t disconnect service on Fridays, weekends or holidays, must account for households with special medical needs, and often offer third-party notification programs so another person can receive shutoff warnings.
What to do if your power goes out
If you lose power, never run generators, grills or camp stoves indoors, and leave your home immediately if you smell gas, the Observer previously reported. You should also keep fridge and freezer doors closed to preserve food, and use flashlights and a battery-powered radio to stay informed.
The National Weather Service recommends the following safety tips if you lose heat:
- Close off rooms that you aren’t using to avoid wasting heat.
- Stuff towels or rags in the cracks under doors.
- Close blinds or curtains on your windows to keep in some heat.
- Eat and drink. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Drink lots of water and other non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic drinks to prevent dehydration. Cold air is very dry.
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, sweating and subsequent chill.
This story was originally published February 5, 2026 at 4:06 PM with the headline "Energy bills will be higher for many NC residents this month. Here’s why."
