Duke Energy IN Provides $300,000 In Energy Assistance Funds To Help Customers During Pandemic

“These funds, in combination with federal Low-Income Energy Assistance dollars administered by the state, can help hundreds of Hoosiers with energy costs during a challenging time.”

(Plainfield, Ind.) – Duke Energy has set aside $300,000 to assist qualified Indiana customers that might be struggling to pay their energy bills while the COVID-19 pandemic continues. 

Additionally, the company is emphasizing that eligible residential customers can avoid disconnections for nonpayment by setting up a payment plan, which can now extend up to 1 year. 

“We know the pandemic continues to be a financial hardship for many,” said Duke Energy Indiana President Stan Pinegar. “These funds, in combination with federal Low-Income Energy Assistance dollars administered by the state, can help hundreds of Hoosiers with energy costs during a challenging time.”

Duke Energy is teaming up with the Indiana Community Action Association and the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s Energy Assistance Program to determine eligibility and distribute assistance funds.

Recipients of the Duke Energy funds must be Duke Energy customers as well as meet income-eligibility requirements. Those eligible customers are encouraged to establish a payment plan for any outstanding balances. 

“While the Indiana Community Action Agency network can help in many ways, the Duke Energy Helping Hand Program is a valuable resource during uncertain times as moratoriums on utility disconnections and evictions expire,” said Ed Gerardot, executive director of the Indiana Community Action Association.

Service disconnections for nonpayment were suspended by Duke Energy Indiana through September 15 for customers that were experiencing financial hardship. This deadline gave customers an additional month to make payment arrangements beyond Indiana's current disconnection moratorium. 

Customers that are behind on their Duke Energy bill(s) should contact Duke Energy to speak with a customer service representative to make payment arrangements. These payment plans may also be established online.

There are also additional federal initiatives, like Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) , that provide assistance to help eligible low-income households meet their home heating and/or cooling needs. Federal funds receive hundreds of millions of dollars as part of the federal stimulus initiative. Indiana's next funding cycle opens on Tuesday, September 1. To apply for the Energy Assistance Program, customers should contact their local service provider. 

The Duke Energy Foundation has given over $1.15 million in shareholder funds to Indiana nonprofit groups, focusing on hunger relief, small business recovery, education and workforce needs as well as social justice grants since mid-March.