Duke Energy Foundation grants seek to expand broadband internet access in Indiana's underserved areas

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy Foundation has awarded over $113,000 in grants to enhance broadband access in 15 Indiana counties. A grant of $100,000 will support the Purdue Center for Regional Development in creating "digital inclusion plans" for these areas. Additionally, a $13,000 grant will fund software for the Indiana Rural Broadband Strategic Partnership, promoting broadband speed testing to assess internet accessibility. This initiative is crucial for addressing the digital divide highlighted during the pandemic and aims to ensure Indiana remains competitive in an increasingly digital economy.

Positive

• Duke Energy Foundation's grants total over $113,000, enhancing broadband access in Indiana.
• $100,000 grant to Purdue Center for Regional Development for digital inclusion plans.
• $13,000 grant supports Indiana Rural Broadband Strategic Partnership for infrastructure assessment.

Negative

• None.

PLAINFIELD, Ind., June 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Two Duke Energy Foundation grants totaling more than $113,000 will help improve broadband internet access in underserved areas in 15 Indiana counties.

The foundation has awarded a grant of $100,000 to the Purdue Center for Regional Development to work with counties to develop "digital inclusion plans" to assess broadband access and needs. The targeted counties will receive $5,000 each to develop the plans.

"Whether it was remote work, distance learning, or telehealth, the pandemic reinforced the value of broadband access and highlighted a digital divide between those who have access to the internet and those who do not," said Stan Pinegar, Duke Energy Indiana state president. "As I visit community leaders and customers in our service area, the urgent need for improved connectivity inevitably comes up. We want to make sure that Indiana can compete in today's rapidly digitizing economy and society. Internet access has become an essential part of everyday life.

Counties selected will be in Duke Energy's 69-county Indiana service area and will need to complete an application to the Purdue Center for Regional Development to be considered for participation. Visit https://pcrd.purdue.edu/act to apply.

"Before we can tackle a challenge, we need a road map and resources that show us where needs are and how we can fill the gaps," said Dr. Roberto Gallardo, director of the Purdue Center for Regional Development. "With the support of the Duke Energy Foundation grant, we can provide the technical assistance that will help local communities develop or implement their plans to address digital exclusion today."

The Duke Energy Foundation is also supporting the recently announced Indiana Rural Broadband Strategic Partnership aimed at strengthening broadband infrastructure throughout Indiana. The Indiana Farm Bureau and five other organizations are leading the effort that measures how widely broadband is used by citizens.

The initiative encourages residents to participate in the free, anonymous broadband speed test that can be done on any device connected to the internet. No personal information is collected. The information gathered will help direct investments in critical infrastructure that will expand the availability of high-quality internet access across the state. The Duke Energy Foundation grant of approximately $13,000 will help pay for the software involved.

Duke Energy Indiana and Duke Energy Foundation

Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), provides about 6,600 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 840,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it Indiana's largest electric supplier.

The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. In Indiana, the Foundation contributes more than $2 million annually in charitable gifts funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars.

Media contact: Angeline Protogere
Office: 317.838.1338
Media line: 800.559.3853

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/duke-energy-foundation-grants-seek-to-expand-broadband-internet-access-in-indianas-underserved-areas-301309148.html

SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

What is the purpose of Duke Energy's $113,000 broadband grants in Indiana?

The grants aim to improve broadband internet access in underserved areas across 15 Indiana counties.

How much funding is allocated to the Purdue Center for Regional Development?

Duke Energy Foundation awarded a $100,000 grant for developing digital inclusion plans.

What is the role of the $13,000 grant provided by Duke Energy?

The grant funds software for the Indiana Rural Broadband Strategic Partnership, facilitating broadband speed tests.

When was the press release about Duke Energy's broadband initiative published?

The press release was published on June 9, 2021.

How many counties in Indiana will benefit from Duke Energy's broadband grants?

15 counties in Indiana will benefit from the broadband grants.