#United States #Duke Energy #Share the Light Fund #Plainfield #Indiana

Duke Energy's Summer Initiative to Support Low-Income Hoosiers

As summer's warmth descends on Indiana, Duke Energy is stepping up to safeguard vulnerable communities from excessive energy costs. The company has announced a generous commitment of $200,000 to its Share the Light Fund, designed to assist low-income households grappling with the financial strain of rising energy expenses.

Addressing Financial Hardship

The plight of many families during the heat of summer can lead to distressing energy bills, which can sometimes be overwhelming. Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana, emphasized the importance of the Share the Light Fund: "The financial assistance we offer helps connect customers in need to resources that can aid in paying their electric bills and keep them cool during the summer months."

Duke Energy has consistently collaborated with community action agencies throughout Indiana to identify customers most in need of help and ensure funds are distributed effectively. To expand reach, the program allows qualifying customers to receive assistance of up to $300 to cover energy bills, deposits, and reconnection charges.

Individuals seeking this aid are encouraged to reach out to their local community action agency, with further details available at incap.org/energy-assistance, which lists service providers across different counties.

Making a Difference

For over five years, Duke Energy's Share the Light Fund has been making significant strides in supporting households throughout Indiana. To date, it has disbursed more than $4 million in assistance, positively impacting nearly 15,000 households. This initiative speaks volumes about Duke Energy's dedication to enhancing community wellbeing, particularly during financially precarious times.

According to Ed Gerardot, executive director of the Indiana Community Action Agency, the high seasonal energy bills can be especially debilitating for families facing economic challenges. He stated, "With the support of partners like Duke Energy, we're extending a helping hand to those who are struggling, linking them with crucial resources to alleviate their expenses and improve their financial stability."

Resources for Energy Management

Beyond direct financial assistance, Duke Energy also seeks to empower its customers with a variety of programs and tools aimed at helpful energy management. These include:

• - Usage Alerts: Customers receive notifications about their electricity usage and its cost, enabling them to adjust consumption before bills arrive.
• - Free Home Energy Audits: Professionals assess homes for energy efficiency and provide these clients with a toolkit for energy-saving devices.
• - Flexible Payment Options: Interest-free payment plans and due date extensions are available for customers who need additional time or flexibility in their payment schedules.

To explore these programs and how they can help manage energy costs more effectively, customers are encouraged to visit duke-energy.com/HereToHelp.

About Duke Energy Indiana

Duke Energy Indiana, part of the larger Duke Energy conglomerate, supplies approximately 6,300 megawatts of electric capacity to around 910,000 customers within a 23,000-square-mile territory. As Indiana's largest electric supplier, it stands as a critical provider of energy solutions.

Duke Energy, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is recognized as one of America's premier energy companies, serving upwards of 8.6 million customers across multiple states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. The company is dedicated to an ambitious energy transition while maintaining a focus on reliability and customer value as it invests in smarter grid technologies and cleaner energy generation.

For more updates and insights, follow Duke Energy on social media platforms, including X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, or visit the Duke Energy News Center for the latest stories regarding their efforts toward sustainable energy transition.