Duke Energy Indiana has announced it will provide $320,000 in financial assistance to help customers pay their energy bills during the winter season. The funding comes through the Share the Light Fund, which is supported by Duke Energy shareholders as well as voluntary contributions from customers and employees.
The company partners with the Indiana Community Action Association to distribute these funds. Eligible customers can receive up to a $300 credit on their accounts each year. Eligibility is determined by income, family size, and available resources. Customers interested in applying are encouraged to contact their local community action agency for more information about eligibility and service providers.
In addition to direct bill assistance, Duke Energy offers several programs designed to help customers manage their energy usage and reduce costs. These include usage alerts that notify customers of their electricity consumption and its cost before the billing period ends, free home energy assessments conducted in person or virtually that come with a kit of energy-saving devices, and interest-free installment payment plans for those needing flexibility. More details about these programs are available at duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings.
Over the past five years, the Share the Light Fund has distributed more than $4 million in bill assistance, helping 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, stated: “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 about 920,000 customers across a 23,000-square-mile area and provides approximately 6,300 megawatts of owned electric capacity.
