Duke Energy partners with community organization in South Carolina to help customers in need stay safe, warm and connected

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) expanded local aid in South Carolina to help customers stay safe, warm and connected during cold weather. In 2025 the company, its foundation, customers and employees contributed $670,000 in South Carolina through the Share the Light Fund, and since 2022 more than $11 million has gone to nonprofit partners nationwide.

In 2025 Duke Energy awarded $125,000 in microgrants to help households become eligible for weatherization and increased incentives and eligibility for several South Carolina energy efficiency and demand response programs.

News Market Reaction – DUK

+0.64%

1 alert

+0.64% News Effect

On the day this news was published, DUK gained 0.64%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Share the Light Fund 2025: $670,000 Customer assistance since 2022: More than $11 million Microgrants 2025: $125,000 +5 more

8 metrics

Share the Light Fund 2025 $670,000 Contributions in South Carolina in 2025 to community agencies

Customer assistance since 2022 More than $11 million Contributions to nonprofit partners nationwide since 2022

Microgrants 2025 $125,000 Microgrants to South Carolina nonprofits for repair and weatherization eligibility

Electric customers 8.6 million Electric utility customers across six U.S. states

Energy capacity 55,100 megawatts Owned energy generation capacity

Natural gas customers 1.7 million Natural gas utility customers across five U.S. states

PremierNotes shelf size $4,000,000,000 Aggregate offering price registered under Form S-3ASR dated 2025-09-30

Max principal outstanding $2,000,000,000 Maximum net aggregate principal amount of PremierNotes outstanding at any time

Market Reality Check

Price: $126.78 Vol: Volume 6,611,368 is above...

high vol

$126.78 Last Close

Volume Volume 6,611,368 is above the 20-day average of 3,695,147, indicating elevated trading activity ahead of this community-focused announcement. high

Technical Shares traded below the 200-day moving average of 120.48, indicating a weaker pre-news technical setup.

Peers on Argus

Sector peer SO also had a charitable, winter-heating-related headline, but only ...

Sector peer SO also had a charitable, winter-heating-related headline, but only 1 peer showed news today and no price reactions were provided, so trading appeared more stock-specific than broad-sector driven.

Common Catalyst Seasonal customer assistance and heating support initiatives among regulated utilities.

Regulatory & Risk Context

Active S-3 Shelf · $4,000,000,000

Shelf Active

Active S-3 Shelf Registration 2025-09-30

$4,000,000,000 registered capacity

An effective Form S-3ASR dated 2025-09-30 registers up to $4,000,000,000 of Variable Denomination Floating Rate Demand Notes ("PremierNotes"), with a maximum net aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time of $2,000,000,000. The notes are unsecured, floating-rate, and payable on demand, providing Duke Energy with a flexible funding channel alongside its substantial consolidated indebtedness disclosed in the filing.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement detailed Duke Energy’s customer assistance and community investment, including ove...

Analysis

This announcement detailed Duke Energy’s customer assistance and community investment, including over $670,000 in 2025 South Carolina support and more than $11 million contributed since 2022. It also highlighted $125,000 in microgrants to enable weatherization, plus expanded energy efficiency and demand response programs. In context, investors may track how such initiatives interact with the company’s scale—serving millions of customers—and with funding tools disclosed in recent regulatory filings.

Key Terms

weatherization, energy efficiency, demand response, megawatts, +1 more

5 terms

weatherization technical

"Many homes across the Palmetto State were unable to benefit from weatherization programs..."

Weatherization is the process of upgrading a building’s envelope and systems—adding insulation, sealing drafts, improving windows, and tuning heating or cooling—to reduce energy loss and protect against wind, rain and cold. For investors, it matters because these upgrades lower utility bills, can raise property value, qualify for rebates or green lending, and create demand for contractors and materials, so they affect operating costs, cash flow and the market for energy-efficiency products.

energy efficiency technical

"...programs to help make necessary repairs to enable households to become eligible for energy efficiency improvements."

Energy efficiency is using less energy to achieve the same level of service or output — like a car that goes farther on the same tank of fuel. For investors it matters because improving efficiency cuts operating costs, lowers exposure to energy price swings and regulations, can enhance asset value and profitability, and signals management focus on long-term resilience and competitiveness.

demand response technical

"Duke Energy also increased incentives and eligibility for many of its energy efficiency and demand response programs..."

Demand response is a program or market mechanism where electricity users are paid or incentivized to reduce or shift their power use when the grid is stressed or prices are high, similar to turning down nonessential appliances during a heat wave to ease a traffic jam. It matters to investors because it can lower peak energy costs, affect utility revenues and market prices, and create opportunities for companies that provide the software, equipment, or services that enable those load changes.

megawatts technical

"...and collectively own 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity."

A megawatt is a measure of electrical power equal to one million watts, describing how much electricity a plant or device can generate or use at a single moment. Investors use megawatts to compare the size and earning potential of energy projects—larger capacity usually means more electricity to sell—much like comparing the horsepower of engines to judge how much work they can do. Knowing megawatts helps assess scale, revenue potential, and grid impact of energy assets.

energy storage technical

"...including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage."

Energy storage involves capturing and holding excess energy produced during periods of low demand for later use when demand is higher. Think of it like a rechargeable battery that saves power for when it’s needed most. For investors, energy storage is important because it helps balance supply and demand, making energy systems more reliable and efficient, which can influence the value of energy-related assets and technologies.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

• Together with customers, employees and local partners, Duke Energy is making a difference – providing critical energy assistance so families can stay safe and connected during challenging times.

GREENVILLE, S.C., Dec. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As temperatures drop this holiday season, more families are turning to community resources to make ends meet.

Impact this year: Through the Share the Light Fund®, Duke Energy, its Foundation, customers and employees have contributed more than $670,000 in South Carolina to community agencies this year alone – helping neighbors keep their homes warm and powered when it matters most.

Long-term commitment: Since 2022, more than $11 million has been contributed to nonprofit partners to connect customers in need with assistance nationwide.

What they're saying

Amanda Dow, Duke Energy Foundation South Carolina director: "Behind every request for help is a story—a family, a friend, a community member working to get through a tough time. Through Share the Light Fund and our local partners, we're able to support our neighbors in their moment of need."

Kristi King-Brock, Anderson Interfaith Ministries executive director: "Duke Energy has provided consistent funding to AIM for the last 35 years through the Shine the Light Fund formally known as the Share the Warmth program. This partnership has allowed us to assist thousands of low-income individuals and families with their utility bills. We are so grateful for Duke's continued investment in our work, allowing us to give Hope and change lives."

Shelley L. Price, G.R.A.S.P. executive director: "We are incredibly grateful to Duke Energy for their continued partnership and support through the Share the Light Fund. This funding allows GRASP to provide critical assistance to families and individuals who are facing difficult choices between paying for utilities and meeting other basic needs. Partnerships like this strengthen our community and help ensure that no one has to go without essential services during times of hardship."

How to get help or give back: Customers who need assistance can find local agencies through our Payment Assistance Finder. 

Want to help? You can set up a recurring or one-time contribution to the Share the Light Fund – bringing comfort and connection to those who need it most

Deeper dive: Many homes across the Palmetto State were unable to benefit from weatherization programs because of pre-existing health and safety issues. That's why Duke Energy and Duke Energy Foundation awarded $125,000 in microgrants in 2025 to South Carolina nonprofits that have programs to help make necessary repairs to enable households to become eligible for energy efficiency improvements. 

• Duke Energy also increased incentives and eligibility for many of its energy efficiency and demand response programs in South Carolina, expanding ways customers can save money and energy. For more information about these programs, visit duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings.

Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. 

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: Catherine Ramirez
24-Hour: 800.559.3853 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/duke-energy-partners-with-community-organization-in-south-carolina-to-help-customers-in-need-stay-safe-warm-and-connected-302648042.html

SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

How much did Duke Energy (DUK) contribute in South Carolina through the Share the Light Fund in 2025?

Duke Energy, its foundation, customers and employees contributed more than $670,000 in South Carolina in 2025.

What is the total Share the Light Fund contribution by Duke Energy since 2022?

Since 2022, more than $11 million has been contributed to nonprofit partners nationwide.

What microgrant support did Duke Energy provide in South Carolina in 2025?

Duke Energy and its foundation awarded $125,000 in microgrants in 2025 to help nonprofits make repairs so homes qualify for weatherization.

How can Duke Energy (DUK) customers request utility bill assistance in South Carolina?

Customers can find local agencies through Duke Energy's Payment Assistance Finder to request help.

Did Duke Energy change its energy efficiency programs in South Carolina in 2025?

Yes—Duke Energy increased incentives and eligibility for several South Carolina energy efficiency and demand response programs in 2025.

How can individuals contribute to Duke Energy's Share the Light Fund to help neighbors?

Individuals can set up a recurring or one-time contribution to the Share the Light Fund to support local customers in need.