Duke Energy donates $200K to 'Helping Hand'

Indiana residents struggling to pay heating bills might be glad to hear about an option that could help ease their situation.

Duke Energy made a $200,000 contribution to the Helping Hand Program, which works closely with local communities to assist paying heating expenses for low-income customers.

Since 2006, Duke Energy, along with its merger partner Cinergy, has contributed $500,000 yearly to Helping Hand, which provides a one-time $100 payment to an eligible customer’s account. Customers, who must be at least 60 years of age or disabled, are notified if they are eligible, according to Duke Energy’s Web site.

This year Duke Energy decided to help out the needy with an additional $200,000. Tight family budgets and record-breaking weather patterns contributed to the energy company’s decision to offer additional help, said Lew Middleton, spokesperson for Duke Energy Indiana.

“We are glad to announce our extra support for the low-income class and elderly customers,” Middleton said. “Much of our contributions come from Duke Energy shareholders, employees and customers.”  

Middleton said he believes the imminent need is heightened by the looming economic crisis, and the company wants to assist its Indiana customers as much as it can.
Duke Energy supplies electricity to about 775,000 customers in Indiana alone. The company supplies 35,000 megawatts of electricity to 4 million U.S. customers in the Midwest and exports about 4,000 megawatts of electricity to Latin America, according to Duke Energy’s Web site.

The Fortune 500 company is taking contributions throughout the year from anyone willing to donate. All contributions are directly used to help needy families stay warm this winter. Contributions are given to programs such as Helping Hand and are tax-deductible. Donations can be made at www.duke-energy.com.

Middleton said the company is proud of its increase in contributions as part of giving back to a community they hold in high regard during the ongoing tough economic situation.  

“The need is immediate to keep Indiana homes warm this winter,” Middleton said, “especially with the tough economic conditions hitting our nation and the cold temperatures of this winter.”