Duke Energy Foundation has announced a $100,000 rapid response grant to the American Red Cross as winter storm Fern is expected to bring severe weather to parts of North Carolina and South Carolina. The funding aims to help local communities prepare for and endure the storm’s impact, including sustained low temperatures anticipated over the weekend and into early next week.
Loree Elswick, president of Duke Energy Foundation, said, “Duke Energy’s response to storms goes beyond restoring power. While our crews are preparing to respond safely and quickly to the effects of winter weather, the Foundation works in parallel so customers and communities have access to safe, warm places and essential resources.”
The grant will be distributed across North Carolina and South Carolina to support efforts such as heated shelters, emergency supplies, blankets, and community-run shelter assistance.
Alison Taylor, regional executive for the American Red Cross, stated: “Winter weather can strain families and individuals—especially those already facing economic hardship. Support from the Duke Energy Foundation helps us work side by side with local partners to open shelters, provide essential supplies, and ensure communities have what they need to stay safe and warm.”
Duke Energy continues monitoring weather conditions and will adjust operational measures as needed in response to the storm. Information about open shelters and disaster relief services can be found online.
The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support for community needs where Duke Energy customers live and work. The foundation is funded by shareholders of Duke Energy.
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a Fortune 150 company. Its electric companies serve 8.6 million customers across six states—including North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky—and collectively own 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas operations serve 1.7 million customers in five states.
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