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\n\tMore than 600 customers have received a free energy assessment to help lower their monthly bill
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\n\tThe next phase of the program will begin in August
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ST PETERSBURG, Fla. \u2013 From the grocery store to the gas pump, household budgets are stretched thin. To help provide relief, Duke Energy Florida\u2019s Neighborhood Energy Saver Program has been offered in the city of Clearwater since the start of the year. The program provides free energy assessments, including recommendations to reduce energy consumption and lower costs. Through May 2026, more than 600 local customers have participated, collectively saving over $3.1 million on their electric bills. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Savings opportunities<\/p>\n
A free energy assessment can reveal savings opportunities for customers, including:<\/p>\n
Our view <\/p>\n
Community support<\/p>\n
What\u2019s next<\/p>\n With two phases complete, additional Neighborhood Energy Saver events are planned across Clearwater in the second half of 2026. Eligible customers will receive a direct invitation to attend a launch event, where they will receive up to 20 energy saving products and information on how to schedule a free energy assessment.<\/p>\n The program is available to residential customers, both homeowners and renters, living in communities identified by Duke Energy Florida using federal and state guidelines and census data.<\/p>\n To learn more about the Neighborhood Energy Saver Program and determine eligibility, please click here<\/a> or call 855.227.2918.<\/p>\n More savings through energy efficiency programs<\/p>\n Since 1981, Duke Energy has helped its Florida customers save nearly $1.25 billion through its energy efficiency programs, including the Neighborhood Energy Saver program.<\/p>\n
\n\tVerify your HVAC efficiency: Have a qualified heating and air conditioning contractor verify your HVAC is operating efficiently.
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\n\tSeal any leaks: Caulking and weatherstripping your windows, doors and vents can help\u00a0reduce cooling costs by 10%-20%<\/a>.
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\n\tReplace filters monthly:\u00a0A dirty air filter makes a cooling system work harder, which uses more energy. Replacing a dirty filter with a clean one monthly can\u00a0lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%<\/a>.
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\n\tAdjust the thermostat: Save money by setting the thermostat to the highest comfortable setting in the summer.
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\n\t\u201cFor customers who qualify, the Neighborhood Energy Saver program is one of the most impactful resources available to help lower energy costs,\u201d said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. \u201cAn energy efficiency expert is able to walk through the home with the customer and make specific recommendations on how to reduce energy usage in practical ways. The savings that can result in these assessments can make a significant impact.\u201d
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\n\t\u201cThis program meets families where they are,\u201d said Fran Pheeny, Suncoast Housing Connections CEO. \u201cA free energy assessment isn\u2019t just about lowering a bill, it\u2019s about giving people long-term financial stability by lowering monthly energy costs and one less thing to worry about at home.\u201d
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\n\t\u201cEnergy affordability is a community issue, and we\u2019re proud to help make sure the neighbors who need this program most know it exists and know how to access it,\u201d said Glorida Campbell, Clearwater Urban Leadership Coalition executive director.
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