Duke Energy Indiana has announced it will allocate $320,000 in financial aid this winter to assist customers struggling to pay their energy bills. The support comes through the Share the Light Fund, which is backed by contributions from Duke Energy shareholders as well as voluntary donations from customers and employees.
The company partners with the Indiana Community Action Association to distribute these funds. Eligible customers can receive up to $300 annually as a credit on their accounts. Assistance may be used for paying energy bills, deposits, or reconnection and connection charges. Eligibility is determined based on income, family size, and resource availability.
Customers interested in applying should contact their local community action agency for more information about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
In addition to bill assistance, Duke Energy offers several programs aimed at helping customers manage their energy use and reduce costs. These include usage alerts that notify customers about their electricity consumption and its cost before the billing period ends; free Home Energy House Calls where professionals assess home efficiency in person or virtually; and interest-free installment payment plans for those who need flexible options. Further details about these initiatives can be found at duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings.
Over the past five years, the Share the Light Fund has provided more than $4 million in bill assistance, supporting nearly 15,000 households across Indiana.
Ed Gerardot, director of the Indiana Community Action Association said: “Each year, more than 2,600 Indiana households receive assistance with their energy bills through Duke Energy’s Share the Light Fund, so as you would imagine, this support from the company is truly a gift. Duke continues to ‘walk the talk’ for its customers in need and is a great community partner.”
Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana added: “Duke Energy’s Share the Light Fund is available to those who may be struggling to make ends meet. We work hand in hand with community partners to connect our customers with available assistance, offer programs and tools to help manage their energy use and provide financial support during times of economic hardship. Thank you to our customers and employees who, along with our shareholders, contribute to this important endeavor.”
Duke Energy Indiana serves approximately 920,000 customers over a 23,000-square-mile area with around 6,300 megawatts of owned electric capacity.
