Dive Summary:

• Later this year, Duke Energy will start sending its residential customers monthly energy reports showing how their usage compares with “peers” who live in similar homes.
• “We know that customers compare bills,” said Duke spokeswoman Paige Layne. “What we find is that customers who are not as efficient as their neighbors makes changes to keep up with the Joneses.”
• More than 75 utilities in the nation send out similar reports to their customers and the savings for Duke’s version of the program are expected to be about $20 annually for the average customer based on tests conducted in South Carolina and Ohio.

From the article:

Later this year, Charlotte-based Duke will begin mailing its residential customers monthly energy reports showing how their energy usage compares with “peers” who live in similar homes.

A low ranking among neighbors could be what it takes to lower the thermostat, turn off the lights or invest in getting air ducts cleaned out and sealed. ...