Duke Energy offers $500,000 to support South Carolina first responders
Rhea-AI Summary
Duke Energy Foundation has announced a $500,000 grant program to support South Carolina first responders through its 2025 Helping Emergency Response Organizations (HERO) Grant Program. The initiative, now in its fourth year with total support reaching $2 million, allows government agencies and nonprofits to apply for grants up to $20,000 for weather-related disaster preparedness.
The program focuses on funding equipment upgrades, communication tools, specialized training, and preparedness activities, particularly benefiting low-income communities. Applications are open until April 25. Since 2022, the program has funded 99 microgrants across South Carolina, proving especially valuable during Hurricane Helene's response efforts.
Success stories include the Hodges-Cokesbury Fire Department's utilization of grant-funded UTVs during Hurricane Helene, Travelers Rest Fire Department's acquisition of protective gear, and Anderson County Sheriff's Office's implementation of critical radio equipment for emergency coordination.
Positive
- Foundation provides substantial $30 million annual philanthropic support
- Large customer base with 8.4 million electric and 1.7 million natural gas customers
- Strong market position as a Fortune 150 company
- Executing energy transition with investments in grid upgrades and cleaner generation
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction – DUK
On the day this news was published, DUK declined 1.20%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
- HERO Grant Program will pay for training, equipment and new technology to aid in response to weather-related disasters
- Giving exceeds
$2 million
What's happening: Duke Energy Foundation is offering
Why it matters: Hurricane Helene's impact on
How it works
Application process: South Carolina nonprofits and governmental agencies can apply for individual grants up to
Eligible projects: Funding is available to support equipment upgrades, communication tools, specialized training, planning initiatives, severe weather materials and kits, storm shelters and preparedness activities that benefit low-income communities.
More info and application: Go to duke-energy.com/SCHEROgrants for complete details.
By the numbers
- This is the fourth year of the
$500,000 $2 million - Since 2022, Duke Energy's HERO Grant Program has funded 99 microgrants, delivering critical support to nonprofits and local agencies across
South Carolina .
What they're saying
- Tim Pearson, Duke Energy's
South Carolina president: "This year's HERO grants are designed to help fill gaps identified when responding to historic storms like Helene and will provide tools and training to our fellow first responders to handle whatever Mother Nature throws our way in the future." - Jim Baber, chief of the Hodges-Cokesbury Fire Department in
Greenwood County : "We originally anticipated using our UTV purchased with grant funds from Duke Energy Foundation for wildland fires and EMS purposes. However, during our response to Hurricane Helene, it proved invaluable in getting crews and tools to places that our trucks could not reach. We used it for tree removal as well as delivering food, water and other necessities to residents that otherwise would have been unable to get these supplies." - Mac McMakin, chief of the
Travelers Rest Fire Department: "Last year's grant from Duke Energy Foundation helped purchase new protective gear for cutting trees and performing extrications. This gear made it easier for our responders to work efficiently and safely during recent storms and the brush fires that have impacted our area. Small but impactful improvements in equipment like this have a tremendous return in terms of responder performance, safety and morale." - Joshua Hawkins, director of emergency management for
Anderson County Sheriff's Office: "The radio equipment acquired through last year's Duke Energy Foundation grant allowed our crews to prioritize and coordinate response activities, which was a key element in getting our community back up and running after Hurricane Helene. We are genuinely appreciative of Duke Energy's commitment to the communities they serve."
Duke Energy Foundation
Duke Energy Foundation provides more than
Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in
Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage.
More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.
Contact: Ryan Mosier
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/duke-energy-offers-500-000-to-support-south-carolina-first-responders-302405833.html
SOURCE Duke Energy
FAQ
How much is Duke Energy (DUK) offering in HERO grants for South Carolina first responders in 2025?
What is the maximum grant amount available through Duke Energy's 2025 HERO program?
How many microgrants has Duke Energy's HERO program funded since 2022?
When is the application deadline for Duke Energy's 2025 HERO grants in South Carolina?
What is the total amount Duke Energy has provided through the HERO grant program to date?
