Durham Reporter

While the COVID-19 crisis continues to unfold, low-income families are struggling to make ends meet. 

According to Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, Duke Energy Foundation is donating funds to help low-income customers in North Carolina make their payments on time. 

The Duke Energy Foundation announced that they are using $150,000 to help low-income customers in roughly 600 households. The funds come from the Energy Neighbor Fund and Share the Warmth programs, both of which are helping to pay with heating and cooling costs. 

Stephen De May, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president, said that he understands the stress that families are experiencing and wants to help their customers weather the storm of the coronavirus. 

“We recognize the financial toll this crisis is having on customers and we’re finding ways to provide support,” De May said. “We’ll continue to support our communities as the crisis unfolds, and we want our customers to know we’re here to help.”

The Greensboro Urban Ministry, agency partner for the Share the Warmth program, said that the coronavirus has turned into a financial crisis and that the program’s funds are helpful for customers who find themselves in a vulnerable place. 

Tara Myers, North Carolina’s deputy secretary for human services, said that they are grateful that companies are stepping up to help those in need during this uncertain time. 

“These are challenging times, and contributions such as these are crucial to helping alleviate the difficulties many are facing,” Myers said. “We appreciate our partners across the state coming together at this time to lessen the financial impact many are facing due to COVID-19.”

The Duke Energy Foundation has been heavily involved in the well-being of the state and its residents and nonprofits since the coronavirus situation began to develop. The foundation has donated $900,000 to hunger and health and human service relief in the state of North Carolina.