Through Share the Warmth, Duke Energy, its employees and customers team up to raise funds to help families struggling to pay their energy bills. The program provided Carolinas customers with $1,284,000 in bill assistance in 2015. With temperatures dropping in the Carolinas, Duke Energy is continuing its 30-year tradition this winter to lend a hand to those struggling to pay their winter energy bills.

Through its Share the Warmth program, Duke Energy works with more than 80 local agencies in the Duke Energy Carolinas service territory to aid qualified senior citizens, families and other customers with financial assistance.

The company annually matches up to $500,000 in employee and customer contributions during the heating season.

“Duke Energy is committed to providing affordable energy to all of our customers, but we know some struggle to keep their homes warm during the winter,” said David Fountain, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “As we enter another winter heating season, we remind our customers that resources and support are available to help with their winter bills.”

Since the program’s establishment in 1985, it has provided more than $33 million in heating bill assistance. Duke Energy offers similar energy assistance programs across the company’s six service areas.

“We greatly appreciate the many customers and Duke Energy employees who contribute to Share the Warmth and our other energy assistance programs each year,” said Clark Gillespy, Duke Energy’s South Carolina president. “Their generous support has meaningful impact for thousands of people across in the Carolinas.”

Additionally, Duke Energy provides energy efficiency products and services and information to help customers save energy and money. For more information visit duke-energy.com.

-Submitted by Meredith Archie