The Duke Energy Foundation has allocated $150,000 in grants to support various organizations in Florida that cater to the essential needs of residents, including assistance with utility bills, housing, and more.
Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, emphasized the significance of these organizations as lifelines for community members in times of need. Whether it's providing food, transportation aid, or enhancing home energy efficiency, the collective efforts can extend support to more families and individuals, fostering financial stability.
The grants have been distributed to several organizations, including the City of Haines City, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco, Heart of Florida United Way, Neighborhood Center of West Volusia, Pinellas County Urban League, and The Mustard Seed of Central Florida.
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties plays a vital role in bringing together volunteers, donors, civic groups, and faith-based organizations to construct affordable housing for low- to moderate-income families across the region. Mike Sutton, President, and CEO of Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco, highlighted the shared commitment with Duke Energy in building energy-efficient and sustainable communities, which in turn facilitates affordable homeownership opportunities for deserving individuals and families.
Furthermore, Duke Energy extends additional support to its customers through various programs such as Budget Billing, which offers predictable monthly bills regardless of energy usage or weather conditions, thus aiding customers in managing their budgets effectively.
Installment Plans/Payment Plans: Repay outstanding balances over extended durations. Eligible customers have the option to request flexible plans, allowing for more time to settle payments.
Usage Alerts: Gain better oversight of your electricity consumption and expenditure. If you possess a smart meter, you'll automatically receive notifications via mobile phone or email midway through your billing cycle, detailing your electricity usage and projecting your monthly expenses, enabling timely adjustments.
Pick Your Due Date: Exercise control over your billing schedule by selecting the date you prefer your energy bills to be due each month.
Due Date Extension: If you anticipate missing your due date, this payment alternative offers a solution. Extend your payment deadline by up to 10 business days to prevent incurring late fees.
Flexible rate options: Effectively manage energy expenses by scheduling energy-intensive tasks during periods of lower demand.
Free Home Assessment: Undertake a complimentary online assessment of your home's energy efficiency to discover methods for reducing your bill and ascertain eligibility for rebates and a free home energy kit.
EnergyWise® Home: Reduce your electricity costs and contribute to community-wide energy conservation efforts by earning up to $141 in annual bill credits.
Weatherization: Tailored for income-qualified customers, this program aims to enhance energy efficiency and lower expenses through the implementation of energy-saving measures in single-family homes and multifamily units, subject to owner approval for renters.
Customer Assistance: Certain customers may be eligible for financial aid through government and nonprofit initiatives, assisting with utility bills and other household expenses.
Click here to learn more about these programs.