Small changes can yield big energy savings for customers
CAYCE, S.C. (Oct. 2, 2025)– This Energy Awareness Month, Dominion Energy is encouraging customers to take simple steps to conserve. Established in 1991, the national observance highlights the importance of energy efficiency and conservation.
“Many people think saving energy means making big investments, but we always recommend customers start at their thermostat,” said Gerald Freeman, program manager for Dominion Energy South Carolina. “Something as simple as increasing or decreasing their thermostat setting by a couple degrees – depending on the time of year – can have a significant impact on their overall energy usage and bill.”
Follow these three simple thermostat tips to save energy and money:
- Adjust thermostat settings seasonally.Set the thermostat lower during cooler weather and higher in warmer weather. Each degree above 68 degrees in cooler months can significantly increase heating costs.
- Use programmable or smart thermostats. These devices can automatically adjust temperatures overnight or when no one is home. Ensure the thermostat is installed properly and compatible with your HVAC system.
- Avoid extreme settings and keep air filters clean. Adjust the thermostat setting a few degrees at a time. Major changes to temperature settings, as well as clogged or dirty air filters, can cause HVAC systems to work harder and consume more energy.
Dominion Energy’s Home Energy Check-up offers free in-home consultations. Energy experts assess the home and provide personalized recommendations to boost efficiency and help lower monthly bills.
In addition to the Home Energy Check-up, Dominion Energy offers a variety of programs to help customers save:
- EnergyWise Online Savings Store offers discounts on a variety of Energy Star-certified products like smart thermostats, advanced power strips, water-saving products, weatherization kits and more.
- Heating & Cooling Equipment Program allows customers to receive rebates up to $500 toward the cost of purchasing and installing new Energy Star-qualified central air conditioning systems, heat pumps and heat pump water heaters, as well as making ductwork improvements in existing residences.
- Natural Gas Fireplace Rebate of $150 is available to eligible customers looking to upgrade their existing natural gas fireplace to a direct-vent system with electric pilot ignition.
- Natural Gas Water Heater Rebates, up to $350, are available when eligible customers purchase and install an Energy Star-certified natural gas water heater.
- You Shift/You Save Plan gives customers on a voluntary rate the option to shift their electricity usage away from peak or high-demand hours.
- Reward Hours offers incentives for enrolled residential customers who manage electricity use during designated high-demand periods.
Programs for small business, commercial or industrial electric customers:
- Small Business Energy Solutions provides incentives for certain energy-efficient upgrades to refrigeration, lighting and HVAC system improvements, including a free on-site energy analysis.
Incentives cover 90% of project costs up to $7,000. This program is available to small business and nonprofit customers with five or fewer Dominion Energy electric accounts and an annual energy use of 350,000 kilowatt-hours or less.
- EnergyWise for Your Business provides financial incentives to reduce the upfront costs of energy-efficiency improvements with an annual cap of $100,000 per project type each program year. Project types include lighting, HVAC, food service and custom.
To learn more about programs, including customer eligibility and restrictions, as well as more tips on how to be more energy wise, visit DominionEnergy.com/SaveEnergy or call 877-510-7234.
About Dominion Energy
Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va., provides regulated electricity service to 3.6 million homes and businesses in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and regulated natural gas service to 500,000 customers in South Carolina. The company is one of the nation’s leading developers and operators of regulated offshore wind and solar power and the largest producer of carbon- free electricity in New England. The company’s mission is to provide the reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy that powers its customers every day. Please visit DominionEnergy.com to learn more.
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