Duke Energy supports first responders with $500,000 in grants for emergency preparedness in South Carolina

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy announced a $500,000 grant program through its Duke Energy Foundation to support emergency preparedness in South Carolina. These grants will be distributed among 33 nonprofits and government agencies, funding vital resources like training, life-saving equipment, and new technology. The initiative aims to enhance community resilience and assist residents in preparing for and recovering from severe weather events. Specific uses of the grants include increasing sheltering capabilities and acquiring pet sheltering kits, advanced response technology, and communication tools for emergency situations.

Mike Callahan, Duke Energy's South Carolina president, emphasized the importance of equipping first responders to maintain a resilient South Carolina. Recipients expressed gratitude, highlighting the impact these grants will have on their disaster response capabilities. The Duke Energy Foundation annually provides over $30 million in philanthropic support, funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Positive

• Duke Energy grants $500,000 to support emergency preparedness in South Carolina.
• 33 nonprofits and government agencies benefit from the funding.
• Grants cover training, life-saving equipment, and new technology.
• Community resilience and disaster recovery efforts are strengthened.
• Duke Energy Foundation distributes over $30 million annually in philanthropic support.
• Funding helps increase sheltering capabilities and acquire pet sheltering kits.
• Introduction of advanced response technology to improve emergency operations.

Negative

• No specific data on how funding will directly impact Duke Energy's financial performance.
• Potential for short-term return on investment for shareholders.

• Funding will support 33 nonprofits and government agencies
• Grants will pay for training, life-saving equipment and new technology to aid in disaster planning and recovery operations

GREENVILLE, S.C., June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As hurricane season begins, emergency managers and first responders turn their eyes to the tropics as they continue to prepare their communities for the possibility of impacts from severe weather.

Duke Energy is preparing as well and stands in support of these communities across South Carolina by announcing $500,000 in microgrants through the Duke Energy Foundation. These funds will increase community resiliency and local ability to help residents prepare for and recover from the devastation brought by significant weather events.

"Preparing communities to respond to severe weather impacts begins in our neighborhoods and communities," said Mike Callahan, Duke Energy's South Carolina president. "Providing our fellow first responders with the tools and training to handle whatever Mother Nature throws our way is necessary in maintaining a resilient and prosperous South Carolina."

Duke Energy's Emergency Preparedness and Storm Resiliency Grant Program was designed to help organizations with roles in emergency preparedness increase their resiliency to these events through advanced preparation, planning, equipment and training. Applicants could request funds up to $20,000. Grants were awarded to 33 nonprofits and governmental entities across the state.

A complete list of recipients can be found here.

Quotes

• "Cherokee County Emergency Management would like to thank the Duke Energy Foundation for awarding Cherokee County this year's grant. This grant will double our sheltering capabilities adding 100 cots and the necessities along with 10 special-needs cots, helping those in need when they need it the most. The grant will also allow us to purchase a pet sheltering kit so we can start to address those needs as well." – Douglas Bowers, Director of Emergency Management, Cherokee County
  
  
• "Duke Energy is always a great partner for us at the City of Sumter, and this grant is no exception. Being storm-ready is crucial for us. It helps our employees prepare for potentially hazardous weather so that we, as a city, can best serve and protect our citizens and ideally prevent any damage before it gets to that point. At the City of Sumter, we like to Invest, Invite, and Serve. And thanks to Duke Energy, we can invest in this equipment that will allow us to better serve the people of Sumter in a safe and timely manner." – David Merchant, Mayor, City of Sumter
  
  
• "This new eye in sky will generate an overhead picture of a scene and provide a more complete view for responding ground crews. Adding this new information to an emergency incident should allow us to implement new response strategies that will improve operations along with saving lives and property plus promoting a safer work environment for our personnel." – Jimmy Flynn, EMS Operations Coordinator, Landrum Area Fire & Rescue District
  
  
• "We appreciate Duke Energy's assistance with providing funding for equipment to help the City of Clemson communicate information to our community, especially during power loss and challenging circumstances." – Jorge Campos, Chief of Police, City of Clemson

Duke Energy Foundation 
The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition, keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

Contact: Ryan Mosier
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

 

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SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

What is Duke Energy's grant amount for emergency preparedness in South Carolina?

Duke Energy has announced a $500,000 grant program for emergency preparedness in South Carolina.

How many organizations will benefit from Duke Energy's emergency preparedness grants?

A total of 33 nonprofits and government agencies will benefit from Duke Energy's grants.

What will Duke Energy's grants for emergency preparedness be used for?

The grants will be used for training, life-saving equipment, and new technology to aid in disaster planning and recovery operations.

How does Duke Energy support community resilience in South Carolina?

Duke Energy supports community resilience through a $500,000 grant program that funds emergency preparedness initiatives for 33 organizations.

What kind of equipment will be funded by Duke Energy's grants?

The grants will fund items such as sheltering capabilities, pet sheltering kits, advanced response technology, and communication tools.

How much does the Duke Energy Foundation provide in philanthropic support annually?

The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support.