More than $460,000 available for Duke Energy's Indiana customers who need help paying winter electric bills

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy has allocated over $460,000 to assist its Indiana customers struggling to pay their electric bills this winter, contributing to a total of more than $600,000 for 2020. The funding includes corporate contributions and customer donations, addressing the economic hardships faced due to the pandemic. Customers may receive up to $300 in assistance through the Indiana Community Action Association and the Energy Assistance Program. Duke Energy emphasizes the need for support this winter, with a focus on energy-saving tips to help customers manage their costs.

Positive

• Duke Energy has allocated over $460,000 for customer assistance in Indiana this winter.
• Total assistance provided in 2020 exceeds $600,000, showing commitment to customer support.
• The program highlights effective partnerships with local community organizations.

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• None.

PLAINFIELD, Ind., Dec. 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy has more than $460,000 dedicated to its Indiana customers who are struggling to pay their electric bills this winter. The funds come from corporate contributions and customer donations.

"Programs like this have never been more important than now," said Duke Energy Indiana President Stan Pinegar. "Cold weather has arrived, and many of our customers are still struggling with the economic hardships of this pandemic. In 2020, we have dedicated more than $600,000 in energy bill assistance, which includes pandemic bill relief funds distributed earlier this year."

Duke Energy works with the Indiana Community Action Association and the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority's Energy Assistance Program, which determines eligibility and distributes the company's assistance funds. Qualifying Duke Energy customers who may be struggling to pay their electricity bills can receive up to $300. Because of high demand, customers should first check with their local agency to make sure there are still funds available locally. Click here to find a listing of service providers by county. 

"The Community Action Agency network is thankful to partner with Duke Energy to support the many Hoosier households facing economic challenges in this difficult year," said Ed Gerardot, executive director of the Indiana Community Action Association. "The contributions from Duke Energy and its customers will ease the hardship for many families."

For more information on the Helping Hand program, including eligibility for funds, participating agencies and how to make a donation, visit duke-energy.com/community/customer-assistance-programs/helping-hand.

Winter energy-saving tips

• Reduce your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting when home, and bump the thermostat down a degree or two when leaving home.
• One of the easiest things customers can do to support heating efficiency is to change air filters regularly. A dirty air filter makes a heating system work harder, which uses more energy.
• Leave drapes or blinds open during sunny winter days to allow the sun's rays to warm the house, but close them at night to help insulate your home.

For more information on how to cut costs and stay warm this winter, visit duke-energy.com/home/savings/winter-heating-energy-savings. Duke Energy also offers energy efficiency products, services and information to help customers save energy and money. For more information, visit duke-energy.com.

Duke Energy Indiana

Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), provides about 6,600 megawatts of owned electric capacity to more than 850,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it Indiana's largest electric supplier.

Contact: Angeline Protogere
Office: 317.838.1338 | 24-Hour: 800.559.3853

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SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

What assistance is available for Duke Energy customers in Indiana for winter 2020?

Duke Energy has allocated over $460,000 to help Indiana customers with electric bills, offering up to $300 in assistance.

How much has Duke Energy contributed to customer support in 2020?

Duke Energy has dedicated more than $600,000 in total for customer assistance in 2020.

What organization distributes Duke Energy's assistance funds in Indiana?

The assistance funds are distributed through the Indiana Community Action Association and the Energy Assistance Program.

Why is customer assistance important during winter 2020?

Due to economic hardships from the pandemic, many customers are struggling to pay their electric bills, making assistance vital.

Where can I find more information about Duke Energy's customer assistance programs?

Visit duke-energy.com/community/customer-assistance-programs/helping-hand for more information.