Duke Energy Foundation and the Tampa Bay Rays have jointly donated $82,000 to help Florida residents pay their energy bills. The donation was part of a program in which the Duke Energy Foundation contributed $1,000 for each Rays win during the 2025 regular season. Funds will be distributed through the Share the Light Fund to community agencies that provide financial assistance to customers facing difficulties with utility payments.
During the Rays’ final home game of the season, grants were presented to 14 agencies that will help deliver this aid. Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, stated, “While rates will decrease for Duke Energy Florida customers in March 2026, we understand many are still facing financial challenges and may have difficulty paying their bills. We remain committed to our customers and providing them with above-and-beyond service, so we appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with the Tampa Bay Rays, once again, to help connect them to the individualized support they need, when they need it most.”
The Share the Light Fund is designed for income-restricted Duke Energy customers who require assistance with utility expenses such as electric, natural gas, oil or wood. Donations made through this partnership are matched annually by Duke Energy Foundation up to $500,000.
Brian Auld, president of the Tampa Bay Rays, said: “The Tampa Bay Rays, like Duke Energy, prioritize contributions that support our community’s needs. We are proud to continue this meaningful partnership and help Tampa Bay area residents – and all Floridians – manage their energy costs and power their lives.”
All funds received by Share the Light Fund go directly to social service organizations like United Way and Tampa Bay 2-1-1. In 2025 alone, over $491,000 has been distributed through this program to Florida customers.
Customers needing financial support can find resources at duke-energy.com/ShareTheLight.
Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support funded by company shareholders. Duke Energy serves approximately 8.6 million electric customers across several states including Florida.
Duke Energy Florida supplies electricity across a 13,000-square-mile region serving about two million residential and business customers.
The Tampa Bay Rays organization has focused on supporting its community since joining Major League Baseball in 1998.
