Each year, this true-up proceeding is intended to resolve the difference between projected fuel costs, and what is actually billed to the customer. The decrease for customer bills in this year's request is primarily driven by the decreased cost of natural gas year over year, plus a reduced true-up component since the previous fuel cost-recovery filing. Duke Energy Carolinas makes no profit from the fuel component of rates - actual costs are passed through directly to customers. Helping customers save Customers struggling to pay their energy bills might qualify for assistance from various government and nonprofit programs for utility bills and other household expenses, or from the Share the Light Fund, a Duke Energy program that provides energy assistance. Duke Energy also offers programs and resources to help customers, as well as flexible payment arrangements to help customers experiencing uncertainty keep their accounts in good standing.