Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation have announced $125,000 in microgrants to nine nonprofit organizations in South Carolina. The funding is intended to support repairs that will allow homes with pre-existing health and safety issues—such as roof leaks, electrical hazards, mold, pest infestations, or structural deficiencies—to become eligible for energy efficiency upgrades.
Each selected nonprofit received up to $20,000 through a request for proposals process initiated in September. The grant recipients are Citizens United for Redevelopment and Economic Stability of Chester ($10,000), City of Florence ($10,000), Emmanuel’s Hammer ($20,000), Habitat for Humanity Greenville County ($20,000), Habitat for Humanity of York County ($10,000), Helping Florence Flourish ($10,000), Rebuild Upstate ($5,000), Sumter United Ministries ($20,000), and United Way of Hartsville ($20,000).
Jerry Dudley, Planning Director for the City of Florence, stated: “The Duke Energy Foundation grant will enhance the city’s Weatherization and Rehabilitation Program by funding critical home repairs for income-challenged households. Several homeowners are in urgent need of roof repairs. These grant dollars will help extend the reach of the city’s program, allowing us to serve more families and address essential housing needs.”
John Lattimore, Chief Program Officer at Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County said: “Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County is excited and honored to continue our partnership with Duke Energy and their commitment to providing a better quality of life for families in need. This specific funding will help provide warm, safe and dry conditions through critical home repairs for several deserving families. The need is great in our community and partners like Duke Energy allow us to meet more of that need.”
Tim Pearson, President of Duke Energy South Carolina added: “Many homes in our state have underlying safety issues that prevent homeowners from participating in energy efficiency and weatherization programs that can significantly moderate energy bills and decrease the growing demand on the energy grid. Recent legislative efforts have made it clear energy efficiency is critical to our long-term efforts to respond to growth in our state, and Duke Energy continues to look at new ways of expanding energy saving opportunities for our customers.”
In addition to these grants, Duke Energy Progress began a pilot program in 2024 offering free energy improvements based on household income and energy use. In 2025, the company increased incentives and eligibility criteria for its South Carolina energy efficiency programs to help more customers save on utility costs. More information about these initiatives can be found at duke-energy.com/SummerSavings.
The Duke Energy Foundation provides over $30 million annually in philanthropic support funded by company shareholders.
Duke Energy serves electric customers across six states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Its natural gas utilities operate in five states. The company continues investments into grid upgrades and cleaner generation sources as part of its ongoing transition toward a smarter energy future.
More details about Duke Energy are available at duke-energy.com.
