Duke Energy Florida lightens the load for individuals, families facing hardship with $700,000 to community agencies

• Customers who need help paying for living expenses are encouraged to reach out to their local United Way, 211 or other assistance programs

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Oct. 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As customers and communities across the state continue to feel the burden of higher living costs, Duke Energy is dedicating $600,000 to 10 Florida-based assistance programs to help customers cover household expenses. This is in addition to a $100,000 contribution Duke Energy Florida announced last week to Share the Light Fund^SM agencies to distribute to individuals and families in need.

"Duke Energy is committed to supporting our customers during this time of continued economic hardship," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. "We realize that we can do so much more together than alone, so we are grateful to work alongside these community allies to provide much-needed relief to our customers."

Duke Energy Florida customers may qualify for assistance to help meet a wide range of needs, including utility bills, housing, food and other essentials.

Heart of Florida United Way's emergency assistance is one example of the available programs. The local agency received $160,000 from Duke Energy to help families with rental/mortgage assistance and utility bills.

"Every day, we have hundreds of people across Central Florida turn to us for help," said Jeff Hayward, President & CEO of Heart of Florida United Way. "Unfortunately, the need for help continues to grow substantially. Duke Energy's support of emergency financial assistance comes at no greater time, and we look forward to stabilizing more families and neighbors, bringing assistance to those that need us most."

2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares is another organization that received $160,000 to provide customers with immediate assistance to prevent evictions, keep utilities (electric and water) connected, as well as assist with transportation to health appointments, get food and obtain employment.

"Our Hope Fund helps individuals, families with children and seniors in Pinellas County who are facing unexpected financial hardships," said Micki Thompson, 2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares president and CEO. "Together with the support from Duke Energy and other community champions, we are able to provide an immediate solution for our families in crisis."

The following agencies received funding to support Duke Energy Florida customers throughout the state. Customers should contact their local community agency to see if they are eligible.

• 2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares
• Capital Area Community Action Agency
• Heart of Florida United Way
• Suwannee River Economic Council
• The Neighborhood Center of West Volusia
• United Way of Central Florida
• United Way of Citrus County
• United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties
• United Way of Marion County
• United Way of North Central Florida

Duke Energy continues to support customers, connect them with available assistance, and offer tools and programs to help manage their bills. To learn more about these programs, visit duke-energy.com/HereToHelp.

Duke Energy Florida

Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 10,300 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 1.9 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 28,000 people.

Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business and at least a 50% carbon reduction from electric generation by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The 2050 net-zero goals also include Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 emissions. In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.

Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2022 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "America's Best Employers" list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Media contact: Audrey Stasko
Media line: 800.559.3853
Twitter: @DE_AudreyS

SOURCE Duke Energy