Duke Energy offers more than $4.6M in energy bill assistance to help North Carolina families

Photo byPOWER Magazine

As summer temperatures rise, Duke Energy is stepping up to assist low-income families in North Carolina with their energy costs.

The company has announced that it will make more than $4.6 million in financial aid available through its Share the Light Fund®.

This initiative, which has supported the community for over 40 years, aims to ease the burden of high energy expenses during the hot summer months.

Kendal Bowman, president of Duke Energy North Carolina, highlighted the importance of this aid, stating,

"As temperatures climb throughout the summer, these funds will help reduce energy expenses for those who need it most."

Duke Energy collaborates with over 100 agencies across the state to distribute these funds, which can be used for energy bills, deposits, and reconnection or connection charges. Eligible individuals are encouraged to reach out to their local agencies for assistance.

Over the past five years, Duke Energy, along with contributions from shareholders, employees, and customers, has provided more than $19.7 million in bill assistance through the Share the Light Fund. This has benefited over 66,000 households in North Carolina.

Operation Fan Heat Relief As part of the Share the Light Fund, Duke Energy also contributes $80,000 annually to North Carolina’s Operation Fan Heat Relief. This program provides free fans to vulnerable older adults and adults with disabilities who are at risk of heat-related illnesses. The funds are distributed through the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services and local providers.

Savings Programs and Assistance In addition to financial aid, Duke Energy offers a variety of programs to help customers lower their energy bills and improve energy efficiency. These include:

• Usage Alerts: Notifications about electricity usage and costs, allowing customers to adjust their consumption before the billing period ends.
• Free Home Energy House Calls: Energy professionals assess homes for efficiency and provide a toolkit of energy-saving devices.
• Budget Billing: Levels out monthly payments to ease the impact of higher seasonal bills.
• Installment Payment Plans: Offers flexibility for customers who need it.

Share your thoughts

How do you think programs like Duke Energy’s Share the Light Fund® can make a difference for families in need? Have you or someone you know benefited from energy assistance programs? Let us know!