Duke Energy Corporation - DUK STOCK NEWS

Duke Energy (DUK) has disclosed a significant data breach affecting approximately 370,000 individuals. The security incident, discovered in May 2024, involved unauthorized third-party access to DEC's IT Network, compromising sensitive customer information.

The breached data potentially includes utility account numbers, names, email addresses, mailing addresses, dates of birth, phone numbers, and partial Social Security numbers for residential customers, as well as partial federal tax IDs for businesses. Law firm Levi & Korsinsky is investigating the breach and exploring potential compensation for affected individuals who received breach notification letters.

The firm, operating on a contingency basis, is examining whether affected customers are entitled to compensation due to the company's potential failure to secure personal data, which could lead to identity theft and financial fraud risks.

Duke Energy (DEC) has disclosed a significant data breach affecting approximately 370,000 individuals. The security incident, discovered in May 2024, involved unauthorized third-party access to DEC's IT Network, compromising sensitive customer information.

The compromised data potentially includes utility account numbers, names, email addresses, mailing addresses, dates of birth, phone numbers, last four digits of Social Security numbers for residential customers, and federal tax IDs for businesses. Law firm Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating the breach and exploring potential compensation for affected individuals who received breach notification letters.

The firm, operating on a contingency basis, has assembled a team of over 70 attorneys and professionals to advocate for affected customers' rights and pursue possible compensation claims.

Duke Energy Indiana has allocated nearly $300,000 in financial assistance through its Share the Light Fund to help customers pay their energy bills this winter season. The fund, supported by Duke Energy shareholders, customers, and employees, allows qualifying customers to receive up to a $300 annual account credit.

Over the past year, the company has provided more than $650,000 in energy bill assistance to over 2,000 Indiana households. The program, managed in partnership with the Indiana Community Action Association, determines eligibility based on income, family size, and resource availability.

Additionally, Duke Energy offers various tools for customers to manage energy usage, including Usage Alerts, free Home Energy House Calls, and installment payment plans.

Duke Energy has concluded its monthlong initiative by announcing over $300,000 in surprise microgrants to support food security programs across South Carolina. This is part of a larger $500,000 campaign that includes support for organizations like Mill Village Farms, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, and FoodShare South Carolina.

The initiative, announced on Giving Tuesday, provides 'surcee' (unexpected gifts) to more than 70 feeding programs, focusing on senior mobile food programs, weekend backpack efforts, and food pantries. Duke Energy employees also volunteered their time packing and distributing food boxes throughout the month.

The campaign addresses growing food insecurity concerns as grocery prices continue to rise, with organizations reporting that 22.7% of children in Florence County face food insecurity. Recipients can find local food assistance through SC211.org or by texting 'FOOD' to 211211.

Duke Energy (DUK) announces initiatives to help South Carolina customers manage energy costs during winter. The company offers a free home energy assessment through the Home Energy House Call program, providing customers with efficiency kits, usage reports, and expert recommendations. The Smart $aver® home improvement rebate programs support insulation and sealing improvements. Additional offerings include the Flex Savings Option, a time-of-use rate program, and Usage Alerts for better bill prediction.

The company provides several energy-saving tips including thermostat management, regular maintenance, utilizing natural sunlight, proper sealing, LED lighting, optimal ceiling fan usage, and water heater settings. Duke Energy serves 8.4 million electric customers across six states and is working toward net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050.

Piedmont Natural Gas, a Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) subsidiary, announces that mayors across the Carolinas and Tennessee have proclaimed December 12, 2024, as 'Share the Warmth Day'. The initiative supports Piedmont's long-running program providing emergency funding for energy bill assistance to neighbors in need, regardless of energy source.

Through the Round Up program, customers can contribute by having their monthly bills rounded up to the nearest dollar, with 100% of the difference going to Share the Warmth. The program, running since 2003, ensures all collected funds help neighbors in the contributing communities through local nonprofit partners.

Piedmont Natural Gas currently serves over 1.2 million customers across three states and recently earned the No. 1 spot in customer satisfaction with residential natural gas service in the South among large utilities.

Duke Energy Florida and Duke Energy Foundation have provided a $100,000 grant to support Pinellas County Schools' Future Cities program and enhanced experiences at Enterprise Village and Finance Park. The grant will help middle school students explore sustainable solutions for energy, land conservation, and environmental issues. The company also renewed its sponsorship of Enterprise Village and Finance Park, which served over 14,000 students last year.

Duke Energy has upgraded its storefronts to showcase energy efficiency jobs and innovative tools, including thermal cameras and virtual reality experiences. The company's total donations to Pinellas Education Foundation now exceed $4 million over nearly four decades of support.

Duke Energy Foundation has announced $285,000 in grants to support environmental vitality and resiliency across Florida. Ten environmental organizations will receive funding for various initiatives focused on improving Florida's habitat and waterways. Bok Tower Gardens in Polk County is among the recipients, using funds to build a healthy wildlife and pollinator corridor.

The grants support diverse projects including wildlife corridor preservation, wetland improvements, bird protection, and coastal resiliency. Over the past five years, the Duke Energy Foundation has committed more than $3 million to ecological initiatives and natural disaster response in Florida. The Foundation, funded by Duke Energy shareholders, provides over $30 million annually in philanthropic support across its service areas.

Duke Energy Foundation and the Indiana Economic Development Association Foundation are jointly committing $150,000 in grants to improve access to affordable child care in Indiana communities. This follows a previous $100,000 funding round last year. Organizations can apply for grants up to $40,000 by January 31, 2025, with awards announced in March 2025.

The initiative addresses significant economic impacts revealed in an Indiana Chamber of Commerce report, which found that child care shortfalls cost Indiana's economy an estimated $4.22 billion annually, including $1.17 billion in lost tax revenue. Currently, only 61% of children needing care can be served through existing capacity.