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Duke Energy Foundation’s contribution to Share the Light Fund® will help customers in need manage energy bills as extended cold drives increased energy use
Charlotte, N.C. – Recent below-normal temperatures across North Carolina are driving higher home energy use, and higher use can mean higher bills. To help families in need with their electric bills this winter, Duke Energy Foundation has invested $562,500 into the Share the Light Fund.
How it works: Duke Energy’s Share the Light Fund supports local agencies that connect qualifying energy utility customers with utility assistance and other essential resources. The Foundation’s investment will be distributed through the Foundation for the Carolinas to community partners in North Carolina.
This builds on nearly $3.3 million in Share the Light Fund assistance delivered to community partners across the state in 2025 by Duke Energy, its Foundation, employees and customers.
Need help? Customers who need help paying their energy utility bills can find local agencies that distribute Share the Light Fund assistance through our Payment Assistance Finder.
Want to help? Visit our website to set up a recurring or one-time contribution to the Share the Light Fund. The Duke Energy Foundation matches every dollar donated up to $500,000.
Local perspectives
- Shelly Biby, Crisis Assistance Ministry chief advancement officer (Charlotte): “Supporting families through winter starts with partnership, and Duke Energy’s Share the Light Fund empowers Crisis Assistance Ministry to reach households swiftly with the help they need.”
- Brian Hahne, Greensboro Urban Ministry chief executive officer (Greensboro): “As colder weather persists, we’re grateful for our partners at Duke Energy Foundation that help us ensure all our neighbors have a warm place to lay their head – no matter the conditions.”
Our take: “The recent cold stretch may be challenging for customers already managing tight household budgets,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy North Carolina state president. “Our focus is always on our communities, and this investment reflects our commitment to working alongside trusted local partners to help families manage costs.”
Duke Energy Foundation
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 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,100 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 energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage.
More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center.
Contact: Madison McDonald
24-Hour: 800.559.3853