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INDIANAPOLIS (June 24, 2024) – Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) is excited to unveil the results of a comprehensive statewide economic impact study commissioned to assess the impact of the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse on Indiana's economy. The study, conducted by Rockport Analytics, highlights significant economic benefits generated from the eclipse, which took place on April 8, 2024.

Here are some key findings: "Indiana was a prime destination for the 2024 total solar eclipse," said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch. "Every part of our state experienced 100% or 90% totality, allowing everyone to witness this incredible event." Economic Impact: The total economic impact of the eclipse is approximately $148.5 M. Taxes generated by visitors totaled $45 million during the eclipse period. Federal Taxes: $18.4 M; State Taxes: $14.4 M; Local Taxes: $12.2 M. Estimated Visitor Numbers: Indiana welcomed over 3.5 M visitors to the state for the eclipse, representing a 45% boost to regular visitor volume and a 41.1% boost to regular visitor spending. "Indiana capitalized on this unique event through IDDC's targeted and enhanced digital marketing and local communities hosting engaging events," said Elaine Bedel, IDDC's Secretary and CEO. "Planning for the 2024 eclipse was truly a statewide effort with state and local governments, visitor bureaus and local businesses coordinating efforts to ensure a safe and exciting event for both visitors and Hoosiers." Local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and retail stores, saw significant revenue increases: Lodging: $45 M; Food & Beverage: $63.8 M; Recreation & Entertainment: $65 M; Transportation: $9.7 M; Retail: $5.4 M.

Community Engagement and Events: Community events and festivals were planned across the state to celebrate the eclipse, promoting local culture. Schools, museums, and science centers hosted educational programs and viewing parties, fostering community engagement and learning. IDDC compiled more than 400 events IN Indiana. IDDC commemorated the historic event by selling over 1,600 eclipse T-shirts. For a complete look at the study and methodology, click here.

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The Borden Church of Christ is hosting Family Fun Night on Friday, July 12, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.  The church is located at 426 W. Water St., Borden.

A sensational evening of family fun has been planned, including a foam-tastic party with food, games, crafts and amazing givaways.

The public is invited.

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 Summer means rising temperatures, and Duke Energy is helping customers save with easy, low- to no-cost do-it-yourself projects and tips to prepare for summer’s heat.

“We typically see energy use spike in the summer since air conditioning is one of the biggest energy users in your home,” said Barbara Higgins, Duke Energy senior vice president and chief customer officer. “We offer free programs, tools and tips to help customers track and manage their energy use, so they can take control and avoid billing surprises.”

Low- to no-cost energy efficiency tips

High temperatures can lead to higher energy usage and bills as people try to stay cool. Below are some tips to help manage your energy use.

• Change air filters regularly. A dirty air filter makes an HVAC system work harder, which uses more energy.
   
• Set your thermostat at the highest comfortable setting. The smaller the difference between the inside and outside temperatures, the lower your energy usage and bill will be.
   
• Close blinds, drapes and curtains during the hottest part of the day. Keeping your blinds, drapes and curtains closed will help prevent the sun's rays from heating your house.
   
• Use a ceiling fan in occupied rooms to supplement your air conditioning. Make sure the fans are set to operate in a counterclockwise direction to push cool air down into living spaces.
   
• Grill outdoors. Using your electric oven and stovetop creates a lot of indoor heat. Help save energy by firing up the grill outdoors or prepare meals that don't require cooking.
   
• Turn off unnecessary lights. Be sure to turn off lights when you leave a room. Lights emit heat and cause your air conditioning system to work harder.

5 easy energy efficiency projects for your home

Sealing air leaks and installing faucet aerators will help you save money by using less energy. These tips and videos will show you how with step-by-step instructions. And, if you have a home improvement project that requires a contractor, Find It Duke can provide free referrals.  

• Install switch and outlet seals. Cooled air that escapes means your home’s cooling system works harder. Installing seals behind electric switches and outlets on exterior walls helps keep the cool air in, and warm air out. Video and b-roll
   
• Apply weatherstripping to doors. Keep cooled air inside your home with self-adhesive weatherstripping on door frames. Video and b-roll
   
• Caulk around windows and doors. Applying a bead of caulk around windows and doors is a simple way to keep cool air inside. Video and b-roll
   
• Replace showerhead. You can reduce the amount of water you use by about 30% after replacing your showerhead with a low-flow model. This energy saving feature saves water, of course, but also cuts down on energy usage if you have an electric water heater. Video and b-roll
   
• Install a faucet aerator. An aerator on the kitchen faucet will use less water, conserve energy and lower your energy costs. Video and b-roll

Track, manage your energy usage

Customers can also easily track and adjust their usage all summer long.

• Customers with smart meters can check online to view their daily usage. Smart meters collect usage information by the hour, so checking spikes throughout the month – by day and even hour – can show what appliances and behaviors are increasing their bills. Video and b-roll available here.

• Duke Energy customers with smart meters also receive usage alerts through email and/or text halfway through their billing cycle, well before their bill arrives, with their current usage amount and a projection of what their final monthly bill could be.

• Customers can also set budget alerts, so they know when their bill reaches a specific dollar amount of their choosing, allowing them to adjust their usage and help save money on their bill.

• Customers without smart meters can sign up to receive high bill alerts for when adverse weather is projected to increase their electric bills by at least 30 percent and $30 compared to historical usage.

Other energy-saving programs, tips and guidance to help you manage higher energy bills that can result from increased energy is available at Duke-Energy.com/Summer.