Duke: fuel to make energy triples in cost

The warm days of summer are here, which means it is a prime time for a combination of outdoor activities and the cool comfort of indoors. Duke Energy is offering an array of programs and plans to help customers reduce energy usage and manage their bills. Over the past year, the company says it costs for the fuel to produce energy have more than tripled. With global demand and tight fuel supplies, the energy industry is seeing the highest sustained fuel prices in a decade. According to Duke, these are not permanent rate increases. Fuel costs rise and fall, and these costs are passed to customers so they pay what the company pays. Duke says its priority is to purchase fuel at the best possible price, through steps such as long-term contracts and using a diversity of suppliers. If customers are struggling to pay their energy bill, they might also qualify for assistance from various government and nonprofit programs that help with utility bills and other household expenses. Customers can learn about agencies that serve our community by dialing 211, texting “electric” to 211211, or visiting sc211.org online. This free service helps connect South Carolinians to local agencies supplying aid for a wide range of needs, including help with energy bills.