The purpose of this study is to learn how using your electrical appliances, heating and cooling, water heating, and other equipment can help your electric utility provide you with better electrical service. The project will last 24 months and will include up to 1,000 homes served by Duke Energy. The project is being funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and your electrical utility, Duke Energy in partnership with your homebuilder or leasing agency.

• Whether you choose to participate in this research study is entirely up to you.

• You can always choose not to take part in this study. Your participation is voluntary.

• You may ask us any questions you want before deciding to participate in the study.

• You can agree to take part in the study and later change your mind without giving any reason.

• Your decision will not be held against you, and there will be no penalty or loss of benefits.

• You do not waive any of your legal rights by enrolling in the study.

You are expected to enroll in one of Duke Energy's smart thermostat programs (EnergyWise Home® or Power Manager®) as part of this study. When enrolled, we will be changing your thermostat temperature by a few degrees during times of peak energy use on the electric grid; therefore, you may feel a little uncomfortable when this happens. However, if this happens, you can change your thermostat back to a more comfortable temperature setting whenever you want. We may also be changing the times your water heater is running to help with the grid and, if you are on a time of use electrical rate, to save you money on your electrical bill; you should not lose any hot water and you can choose to run your water heater whenever you want. Any adjustments you make to your thermostat or water heater will not result in a loss of data or impact the results of the study. We may also operate additional equipment in your home, if present, such as batteries and electric vehicle chargers, to help with the grid; we will always ensure you have priority use of this equipment, so you always remain in control of this equipment.

Loss of your personal information also represents a potential risk in the study. Although our team has collaborated with the Department of Energy and Duke Energy to implement Cybersecurity best practices, we recognize the potential for errors, mistakes, and prospective data breaches.

We cannot promise any benefits to you or others from your taking part in this research. However, possible benefits include a more comfortable home with lower electrical bills than a similar home that is not participating in the study. Your home could be easier to maintain since you can control your heating and cooling system and other equipment in your home from any location using your smart phone. The smart equipment in your home could also help the utility use more solar and wind power, which is better for the environment.

While some of these benefits may stop at the end of the study, you could continue to receive these or similar benefits through participation in programs or electric rates offered by Duke Energy after the study.

You can email questions to the NC Connected Communities study team at info@ncconnectedcommunities.com or submit your contact information on this website and someone from the study team will reach out to answer your questions.

Your participation in the North Carolina Connected Communities program will begin when you purchase your new home or lease a rental property in a participating NC3 community. Following the purchase or lease of your home, you will be contacted by the study team by email to help you set up the participating smart devices in your home. You can contact the study team at any time at info@ncconnectedcommunities.com with questions or to opt out of the study.

Information on the homes and smart devices participating in this study can be found on the respective community pages on this website. Please contact the study team at info@ncconnectedcommunities.com with additional questions you may have on these devices in your home.