Duke Energy launches more robust customer assistance program called 'Share the Light Fund'

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy today introduced the Share the Light Fund – a new, integrated program designed to provide increased financial assistance to customers struggling to pay their energy bills.

An evolution of Share the Warmth and the Energy Neighbor Fund, the Share the Light Fund expands opportunities for giving to increase financial assistance for customers who need it most. And like Share the Warmth, any customer can help by contributing via the Share the Light Fund option on their monthly bill, with Duke Energy pledging to match up to $1 million in contributions in the Carolinas.

"Increasing fuel costs and colder temperatures mean higher energy bills. With many customers still recovering from the negative economic impacts of the pandemic, providing assistance to our vulnerable customers is more important than ever," said Barbara Higgins, senior vice president and chief customer officer. "The Share the Light Fund makes it easier for customers to give and get help."

Duke Energy works in partnership with agencies to distribute funds to qualifying customers to pay energy bills, deposits and reconnection/connection charges.

Customer contributions

Duke Energy customers who would like to contribute to the Share the Light Fund can do so beginning this Giving Tuesday (Nov. 30, 2021). Customers can round up their bill to the next closest dollar, set up a recurring payment, make a one-time donation, include an additional amount in the designated area of their bill and add that amount to their payment or mail in a separate check made payable to the Share the Light Fund.

Customers in need

Customers experiencing financial hardship may qualify for assistance with their energy bills. Customers can access financial assistance resources at duke-energy.com/sharethelight.

Duke Energy

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 7.9 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 51,000 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 27,500 people.

Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy strategy to create a smarter energy future for its customers and communities – with goals of at least a 50 percent carbon reduction by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The company is a top U.S. renewable energy provider, on track to own or purchase 16,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2025. The company also is investing in major electric grid upgrades and expanded battery storage, and exploring zero-emitting power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.

Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2021 "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: Loree Elswick
Email: [email protected]
Media line: 800.559.3853

SOURCE Duke Energy