Duke Energy bill assistance programs help families stay warm during winter

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy's energy assistance programs are once again preparing to assist customers struggling to pay their winter energy bills.

Continuing a 30-year commitment, Duke Energy, its employees, customers and shareholders will provide the funds across the company's six service areas. These funds will be distributed through local agencies and available to qualified senior citizens, families and others.

"We care about the well-being of our customers and know that many of them struggle to stay warm during winter," said Gayle Lanier, Duke Energy senior vice president, Customer Services. "As we enter another winter heating season, we remind our customers that resources and support are available to help with their winter bills. Duke Energy also thanks the many customers who contribute to these energy assistance programs each year. This generous support has meaningful impact for thousands of people."  

The following programs are available in the designated Duke Energy's service areas:

• Share the Warmth – Carolinas: Available in the Duke Energy Carolinas service area in North Carolina and South Carolina. More than 80 agencies in the Carolinas assist in the distribution of the funds. For more information visit duke-energy.com/ShareTheWarmth.
• Energy Neighbor Fund – Carolinas: Available in the Duke Energy Progress service area in North Carolina and South Carolina. Funds are distributed through the state of North Carolina, Division of Economic and Family Services and the South Carolina Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Both work with social service agencies to distribute funds to customers based on need. For more information visit duke-energy.com/ENF.
• Energy Neighbor Fund – Florida: Available in the Duke Energy service area in Florida. Funds are distributed to the United Way and other social service agencies. The agencies distribute funds to customers based on need. For more information visit duke-energy.com/ENF.
• Helping Hand – Indiana: Available to eligible Duke Energy Indiana customers during the winter. Program funds are distributed through the Indiana Community Action Association Energy Assistance Program. For more information visit duke-energy.com/HelpingHand.
• HeatShare – Ohio: Available to eligible Duke Energy Ohio customers. The program is administered by the Salvation Army. Eligible customers may apply beginning in mid-January through mid-April, or until funds are depleted. For more information visit duke-energy.com/HeatShare.
• WinterCare – Kentucky: Available to eligible Duke Energy Kentucky customers. The program is administered by the Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission. For more information visit duke-energy.com/WinterCare.

In 2013, Duke Energy and its customers provided bill assistance to more than 21,700 customers through funding from its energy assistance programs. Additionally, more than 33,000 customers in the Carolinas were also served through a one-time merger contribution to the Share the Warmth and Energy Neighbor Fund programs.

This month, customers across Duke Energy service areas will receive bill inserts describing the energy assistance program available in their specific service area. Contributions go directly to participating agencies and may be tax deductible.

Duke Energy also offers energy efficiency products and services and information to help customers save energy and money. For more information visit duke-energy.com.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 250 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at: www.duke-energy.com. 

Contact: Kristina Hill 
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

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SOURCE Duke Energy

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