Home energy-saving plans proposed

Duke Energy this week asked for state approval to launch or tweak three energy-saving programs for residential customers

The changes, which need approval by the N.C. Utilities Commission, include:

-- An appliance-recycling plan would offer customers $30 and free pick-up if they give up old, inefficient refrigerators or freezers.

-- Additions to Duke’s Smart $aver program would offer customers incentives to make their homes more energy-efficient. The program would offer up to $400 to homeowners who install attic insulation, $200 for duct sealing, $350 for duct insulation, $60 for a central air-conditioner tune-up and $125 for a heat pump tune-up.

The program already offers $200 incentives to customers who install higher-efficiency heating and cooling systems.

-- Under a free new program, Duke will proactively seek out customers in low-income neighborhoods. Based on energy-saving needs, it will offer a menu of conservation measures such as weather-stripping, compact fluorescent bulbs, water heater insulation or water-saving showerheads.

Costs of the programs would be paid for by an existing energy-efficiency rider, which adds $2.35 a month to typical residential bills.

More on these if they're approved.