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Duke Energy's Commitment to North Carolina

In a remarkable demonstration of community support, Duke Energy has recently committed over $2.2 million to aid local communities in North Carolina, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. This initiative marks a significant effort in disaster relief, rebuilding, and preparedness, aimed at addressing the ongoing challenges faced by many residents in the mountainous regions of the state.

A Historic Response to a Devastating Disaster

The damage caused by Hurricane Helene necessitated an unprecedented response from Duke Energy, which included the restoration of power to over 1.4 million customers. The company utilized strategic resource management, including helicopter and drone operations, to ensure that assistance was delivered swiftly and effectively in areas hardest hit by the storm.

Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina state president, emphasized the importance of collaborating with local nonprofits and emergency management agencies. He stated, "Duke Energy is committed to supporting disaster relief and readiness in the communities we serve. We are proud to partner with nonprofit organizations and local agencies that are making a real impact in these efforts."

Distributing Funds to Local Initiatives

A substantial portion of the funding, more than $1 million, comes from grants provided by the Duke Energy Foundation, aimed at both immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts. This includes:

• - Flexible Funding: $500,000 from previous grants redirected to support community recovery initiatives in western North Carolina.
• - Economic Development Support: Over $200,000 directed to local economic development organizations to enhance industrial sites and infrastructure, ensuring job opportunities and community growth.
• - New Disaster Readiness Grants: An additional $500,000 allocated for disaster readiness in central and eastern regions of the state.

Organizations like WNC Communities and MANNA FoodBank have been crucial in these efforts, providing relief to farmers affected by the storm and facilitating food distribution to those in need. Jennifer Ferre, the executive director of WNC Communities, noted, "Duke Energy's support will make a big difference in assisting the agricultural community in our region in their recovery efforts."

Beneficiaries of Duke Energy's Support

Several organizations have received grants to further support disaster relief initiatives:

• - American Red Cross North Carolina
• - Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
• - MANNA FoodBank
• - Second Harvest Food Bank
• - Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
• - Community Foundation of Henderson County

These organizations play vital roles in relieving the burdens of disaster so that the community can begin to rebuild effectively.

Continuing to Build Resilience

The commitment from Duke Energy extends beyond immediate recovery. The Duke Energy Foundation has provided over $3.2 million in grants for disaster preparedness and response across North Carolina since 2020. This ongoing support signifies the company's long-term strategy to foster resilient communities capable of withstanding future challenges.

As Duke Energy progresses on its ambitious clean energy transition, it remains focused on reliability and service quality while enhancing its community involvement. With a goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the company is investing in innovative technologies and community supports that empower residents and enable them to thrive.

In summary, Duke Energy's substantial investment in disaster relief and readiness demonstrates its commitment to the communities it serves. Through partnerships, innovative solutions, and enduring support, the company is helping North Carolina recover and build resilience against future challenges. For more information, please visit Duke Energy's official website or their news center.