Duke Energy provides electricity and natural gas services to customers in several states. People often call the company to ask about new services, stop their service, or resolve billing issues.
A person moving to another residence or who is new to one of Duke Energy's service areas might want to know whether the company requires a security deposit to start new service. I called the company's 800-774-1202 phone number to ask that question.
The automated voice response system began by asking me questions to help me get the information or services I wanted. It asked for my account phone number. I couldn't provide that information since I don't have a Duke Energy account.
The system also told me about same-day and Saturday options for starting service and said I could visit the company's website to learn more.
Assuming I was ready to start service, the system requested the new service address and my Social Security number. The automated voice offered a link to an online form. I didn't provide a new service address and declined the link for the online form. I was not ready to sign up for a new account, so I didn't respond to any further requests.
Next, the system said there would be a 13-minute wait to speak to a customer service specialist. However, it also told me I could get a call back. I agreed and gave the system my name. After about five minutes, my phone rang.
A Duke Energy customer service representative answered to verify that I wanted to set up an account. I shared that I had a Duke Energy account several years ago and needed to know what is currently required to set up an account.
Specifically, I wanted information on the type of deposit the company requires to set up a new account. The representative told me she didn't know exactly how much the deposit would be. She said I didn't need to pay a deposit upfront, as the company could include it in the first month's bill. That was the only information I needed, so I thanked her and concluded the call.
What I liked about calling this Duke Energy customer service number is that the system promised a call back, and it happened within five minutes. The representative was friendly and answered my question within seconds.
Offering an alternative for callers needing same-day or Saturday service through the Duke Energy website is considerate and convenient. That's an excellent option, especially if it allows customers to start service outside regular business hours.