Duke Energy Request to Reduce Fuel

Electric Rate Approved

Decrease averages 16%, or $26 a month

On March 29, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission approved Duke Energy Indiana’s request to lower bills due to declining fuel and purchased power costs. For an average residential Duke Energy customer in Indiana using 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month, it means a decrease of approximately 16% over rates today, or $26 a month. That is on top of a 5% decrease that went into effect in January. There are varying levels of rate decreases for other customers, including businesses and municipalities.

Customer electric bills were higher in 2022 primarily due to soaring fuel costs that affected the cost of power utilities produced as well as what they purchased on the energy markets. A number of unique events drove up fuel costs—from volatility in the energy markets worldwide to labor shortages at railroads that delivered fuel.

Fuel and purchased power can account for as much as 25 to 45% of an average residential customer’s bill, so when the markets are volatile, it can have a big impact on energy bills. We’re starting to see costs stabilize and are glad to be able to pass those savings along to customers.

The decrease will be in effect April-June. Four times a year, utilities adjust prices based on fluctuating fuel costs. Fuel rate adjustments are not permanent; fuel costs rise and fall, and utilities pass those costs to our customers with no profit, so customers pay what their utility provider pays. Duke Energy’s priority is to purchase fuel at the best possible price, through steps such as long-term contracts and using a diversity of suppliers. Customers can view a short video here about how fuel costs affect their bills https://www.dukeenergy.com/energy-education/energy-savings-andefficiency/fuel-costs.

Bill assistance resources:

Energy costs can be a major part of household budgets, and Duke Energy offers a variety of assistance options for customers:

Interest-free installment plans – Customers can contact the company at 800.521.2232 to learn more.

Energy and bill management programs, including Budget Billing and Usage Alerts that let a customer know when their bill may be higher than normal so they can make adjustments. The company also has a host of energy efficiency programs, including free home energy assessments. Customers can learn more about these programs and others at https://www.duke-energy.com/ home/savings/lower-my-bill-toolkit.

Each year, through shareholder contributions and customer donations, Duke Energy dedicates funds for customers in need through its Share the Light program.

The company recently announced $300,000 in available assistance funds for distribution through statewide community action agencies. A list of agencies can be found at https://www.incap.org/energy-assistance.

Earth Day Was Cleanup Day in Gibson County

Earth Day was busy in Gibson County. High school student Clayton Moyer spearheaded a pick up trash day that involved more than 75 volunteers from the area, including some out of the county and there were numerous drop off points throughout town. They collected over 70 bags of trash. Pizza for lunch was served to the participants.

Gibson County Solid Waste also held a Hazardous Waste Day at the Toyota Medical Center. They had a record number of people drop off items, totaling nearly 500 contributors.

~ Recycle Tips ~

Springtime is here which means it’s time for gardening and lawn mowing! Yard waste like grass clippings, leaves, and tree pruning debris are estimated to make up 18% by weight of all municipal waste. This takes up space and leads to reduced efficiency of landfill incinerators because of the high moisture content.

Here are some ways to get rid of yard waste easily. Tip 1: leave it lay – grass only contributes to thatch buildup when the clippings are long. Mowing on a weekly or biweekly basis does not contribute to thatch. The clippings contribute to the health of the soil in your lawn and saves you time! Tip 2: Bring other yard waste to our Compost Yard! Each spring we have compost piles ripe and ready so that residents can draw from it and use the compost as fertilizer for gardens or flower pots. Compost is free for Gibson County residents! For more information, please visit our website, http:// www.gibsoncountysolidwaste.com or go to our Facebook page. Happy Spring! Remember to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

Follow us on Facebook OR check out our website: http://www.gibsoncountysolidwaste.com

VFW #2714

Fort Branch

Kitchen open Tues. for Tacos, Thur. & Fri. specials

4-7pm, check Facebook for specials, open to the public carryout available

Anitque Tractor Show & Flea

Market

Fairgrounds

May 5th noon & 6th 9am-7pm barrel rides, working saw mill, food trucks & more