PLAINFIELD, Ind., Dec. 9, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy has
increased its winter assistance funding for qualifying Indiana customers who may struggle to pay
their winter energy bills.
The company is contributing $650,000 for low-income customer energy
assistance through its Helping Hand program this year. In addition,
Duke Energy Indiana customers and employees have contributed more
than $96,000 through November, and
more is expected in December, raising this year's total energy
assistance to approximately $750,000.
A portion of the company's funding is the result of an agreement
with the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor.
"We know the winter months can be a hardship for some, and each
year our shareholders and customers contribute to help families and
individuals who may be struggling to pay their winter energy
bills," said Duke Energy Indiana President Stan Pinegar. "This year, to reach more
customers in need, we are increasing our shareholder contribution
by $150,000. Last year, we were able
to help more than 3,700 Hoosiers who needed assistance paying their
electricity bills."
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.
"Our clients are most vulnerable during the winter, and no one
should be left in the cold," said Elaine
Zeider, manager of Family Services for the Area Five Agency
on Aging and Community Services. "For years we've used Duke
Energy's Helping Hand funds to keep Hoosiers warm and relieve some
of the stress of winter bills."
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
approximately 840,000 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 Corp.