Statewide – Duke Energy customers in Indiana could see a reduction in their electricity bills in the near future. The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission has recently approved a 5.5% rate decrease for the months of January to March. In addition, Duke Energy has applied for another decrease of 16% for the months of April to June, which is yet to be approved.

According to Angeline Protogere, a spokesperson for Duke Energy, the company adjusts its rates four times a year based on fuel costs. Last year, due to the soaring fuel costs, Duke Energy customers saw a 16% increase during the summer and a 7.2% increase from October to December. However, with the stabilization of fuel prices, Duke Energy is now able to pass on the savings to its consumers.

Protogere explained that customers may still receive a higher-than-normal bill, even with the rate decrease, as some customers may still be on billing cycles that were affected by the high power usage over the holidays. This was due to the extreme cold weather and increased usage of lights and appliances during that time.

If the 16% rate decrease is approved, it could result in an average of $26 off of a residential customer’s electric bill per month. Protogere emphasized that Duke Energy is offering interest-free installment payment plans for qualifying customers and urged customers who need help paying their bills to contact the company so they can connect them with the necessary resources.

In conclusion, while Duke Energy customers in Indiana may have experienced multiple rate increases over the past year, there is hope on the horizon for a decrease in their electricity bills. The company continues to monitor fuel costs and work towards providing its customers with more cost-effective solutions.