Duke Energy Foundation and the Tampa Bay Rays have announced an $82,000 donation to support Florida customers who need help paying their energy bills. The initiative was tied to the 2025 regular baseball season, with the Foundation contributing $1,000 for each Rays victory.
The funds will be directed to Duke Energy’s Share the Light Fund, which provides utility bill assistance through community agencies. Grants were presented to 14 organizations during the Rays’ final home game of the season.
“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,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “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 electricity and natural gas. In addition to donations raised through this partnership, Duke Energy Foundation matches contributions up to $500,000 each year.
“The Tampa Bay Rays, like Duke Energy, prioritize contributions that support our community’s needs,” said Rays President Brian Auld. “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 money collected by Share the Light is distributed via social service agencies like United Way and Tampa Bay 2-1-1 directly to those in need. In 2025 so far, over $491,000 has been distributed through this program.
Customers seeking financial assistance can find resources at duke-energy.com/ShareTheLight.
Duke Energy Foundation contributes more than $30 million annually in philanthropic aid within its service areas. The Foundation operates using shareholder funding from parent company Duke Energy.
Duke Energy is a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte that serves millions of electric and natural gas customers across several states including Florida.
Duke Energy Florida supplies electricity throughout a large portion of Florida—serving about two million residential, commercial and industrial customers over a 13,000-square-mile area with 12,500 megawatts of capacity.
The Tampa Bay Rays organization states its mission is strengthening community bonds through baseball events and charitable work since joining Major League Baseball in 1998.
