Customers in Ohio could save about $14 per month with Duke Energy's new energy rate

CINCINNATI - Duke Energy Ohio is expecting to spread some holiday cheer in its upcoming bills.

A new deal, allowing Duke to buy its energy at auction, is expected to save customers in Ohio 11 percent off their energy rate.

"This new rate, we feel is going to be a win-win. It's a win for the company because we're going to be able to buy our energy at auction. We'll be able to pass those savings along to our customers immediately beginning January 1," said Duke Energy Ohio Spokeswoman Sally Thelen.

Duke says the average homeowner, who uses 1,000 kilowatts per month in energy usage, will see a savings of about $14 a month on their energy bill starting January 2012.

Lauren Methard says she's glad to see any kind of savings on her utilities, especially during the colder months when it costs more to heat your home.

"I think it's great. With everything going on right now with the economy, an extra $14 a month will go a long way," Methard said from her downtown office.

Those using gas to heat their homes will see some minor savings this winter.

"We're looking at even the cost of natural gas is going to be down about a quarter from where it was in November 2010. For this area right now, gas prices are manageable. We're optimistic about the winter that they'll stay fairly steady," Thelen said.

However, opening your utility bill in the winter is still no fun due to the expected higher costs to heat your home.

Duke Energy says customers can monitor their energy and gas usage at Duke Energy's website, www.duke-energy.com/ohio .

Thelen says seeing what you're using month to month may be a motivator to become more energy efficient.

"It really puts a ton of information at your finger tips. You can go online. You can check what your usage was year to year, bill to bill, and kind of get an idea of when your family is using the most energy," Thelen explained.