Duke Energy Indiana has announced it will provide $320,000 in financial assistance to help customers pay their energy bills during the winter. The Share the Light Fund, which is funded by Duke Energy shareholders and voluntary contributions from customers and employees, will distribute this aid.
The company partners with the Indiana Community Action Association to deliver funds to eligible customers. Assistance can be used for paying energy bills, deposits, and reconnection or connection charges. Eligibility depends on income, family size, and available resources. Customers may receive up to a $300 credit per year on their account. Those interested are encouraged to contact their local community action agency for more information about eligibility.
Duke Energy also offers additional programs aimed at helping customers manage energy use and costs. These include usage alerts that notify customers of their electricity consumption and its cost before the billing period ends; free Home Energy House Calls where professionals assess home efficiency; and interest-free installment payment plans for those needing flexibility. More details about these programs can be found at duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings.
Over the past five years, the Share the Light Fund has provided over $4 million in bill assistance, supporting nearly 15,000 Indiana households.
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 across a 23,000-square-mile area in Indiana and operates about 6,300 megawatts of owned electric capacity.
