Duke Energy supports South Carolina first responders with $500,000 in grants for emergency preparedness

Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK), through the Duke Energy Foundation, is providing $500,000 in 2026 HERO grants to 34 nonprofits and government agencies across South Carolina to support emergency preparedness for the 2026 hurricane season.

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK), through the Duke Energy Foundation, is providing $500,000 in 2026 HERO grants to 34 nonprofits and government agencies across South Carolina to support emergency preparedness for the 2026 hurricane season.

Since 2022, the HERO program has funded 133 grants totaling $2.5 million.

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Key Figures

2026 HERO grants (SC): $500,000 HERO grants since 2022: $2.5 million Max grant size: $20,000 +5 more

2026 HERO grants (SC)

$500,000

2026 HERO Grant Program for South Carolina emergency preparedness

HERO grants since 2022

$2.5 million

Total funded across 133 grants since 2022

Max grant size

$20,000

Per-organization cap for 2026 South Carolina HERO grants

Organizations funded (SC 2026)

34 organizations

Nonprofits and government agencies in South Carolina

Grants since 2022

133 grants

Number of HERO grants awarded since 2022

Annual visitors impacted

300,000 visitors

York County parks affected by upgraded weather safety measures

Annual philanthropy

$30 million

Duke Energy Foundation annual philanthropic support

Electric customers

8.7 million

Electric utility customers across six U.S. states

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jun 03

5 events

1. Jun 03

   Site readiness impact

   24h Move

   -0.0%

   Site Readiness Program linked to $1.2B facility and 490 new jobs.

2. May 29

   Customer rate cuts

   24h Move

   -0.8%

   Florida rate reduction lowering typical residential bills by about 25%.

3. May 28

   NC storm grants

   24h Move

   -1.3%

   $500,000 in North Carolina grants for storm preparedness and resilience.

4. May 27

   Demand response program

   24h Move

   +0.3%

   Approval of PowerShare Storage demand response program with bill credits.

5. May 26

   FL storm preparedness

   24h Move

   -0.6%

   $130,000 to 10 Florida organizations for storm preparedness and resiliency.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

megawatts

1 terms

megawatts technical

"collectively own 55,700 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.

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• Funding goes to 34 nonprofits and government agencies across the Palmetto State
• Since 2022, Duke Energy's HERO Grant Program has funded 133 grants with $2.5 million, delivering critical support to nonprofits and local agencies

GREENVILLE, S.C., June 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As emergency managers, first responders and community leaders are preparing their communities for the 2026 hurricane season, the Duke Energy Foundation is awarding $500,000 through the 2026 Helping Emergency Response Organizations (HERO) Grant Program to help South Carolina communities be prepared for the impacts from severe weather.

By the numbers: More than 30 organizations are receiving grants of up to $20,000 each. The grants will fund training, life-saving equipment and innovative technology identified as needs following severe weather events – all aimed to aid in weather-related disaster planning and recovery efforts. A complete list of recipients can be found here.

Our view: "Duke Energy is proud to work alongside first responders when severe weather hits, and a critical part of emergency response is preparation," said Tim Pearson, Duke Energy's South Carolina president. "We strive to help fill the gaps in emergency preparedness our communities have, and hope that these grants can help emergency managers, first responders and community leaders better prepare to protect and help our communities."

Proven success:

In the fifth year of the program, past grant recipients were able to help fill the gaps in emergency preparedness for their communities. Read more about the impact.

• In Dorchester County, HERO funding supported the launch of a Cut & Toss Team to clear debris and restore emergency access during severe weather. When Winter Storm Fern brought down limbs across key routes, the team rapidly cleared priority roadways – reducing delays and easing pressure on fire, rescue and public works crews.
• In Anderson County, Hurricane Helene in 2024 created dozens of hazardous road closures at once, quickly stretching emergency resources. Using a $15,000 HERO grant, the county purchased a fully stocked traffic‑control trailer with cones, barriers and portable speed bumps. The centralized trailer allows crews to quickly mobilize and secure multiple sites at the same time. The investment proved valuable during Winter Storm Fern in 2026, when crews quickly blocked unsafe routes and warned motorists as conditions worsened.
• In Oconee County, HERO funding supported the addition of a second shelter trailer, allowing officials to operate two warming shelters simultaneously – including one equipped for residents with special medical needs.

Positive response:

• Dr. Mandy Gattis, Grants and Special Projects Director, South Carolina EMS Association: "We are thankful to the Duke Energy Foundation for their commitment to strengthening emergency preparedness across South Carolina. This grant will ensure that EMS agencies, hospitals, and emergency management teams have the reliable communication tools they need to coordinate and respond effectively during disasters."
• Katherine Jones, York County Parks Director: "York County is committed to safety and this grant from Duke Energy will allow us to upgrade our weather-related safety measures in and around our parks, which will impact over 300,000 visitors annually at seven different locations. With these tools in place, we'll be able to monitor severe weather more closely and respond more quickly helping keep visitors informed and safe."
• Robbie Swofford, Emergency Management Coordinator, Spartanburg County: "Our Duke Energy Foundation HERO grant award will provide Spartanburg County Emergency Management the opportunity to partner with fire departments across the county to conduct Weather Radio and Fire Alarm Blitzes in their communities. Thanks to this funding, we will be able to fully address the unmet needs of nine fire departments and partially address the unmet needs of two additional departments. These blitzes will help place critical preparedness and life-safety resources directly into the hands of residents who need them most."
• Rob Lybrand, Director, Sumter County Emergency Management: "Sumter County is honored to be among this year's grant recipients. Duke Energy Foundation funding will enhance roadway safety and accessibility during winter weather events by supporting roadway clearing and salt-spreading operations, improving travel conditions and strengthening the county's emergency response capabilities."

Duke Energy Foundation
Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

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 8.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,700 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an energy modernization strategy, keeping customer value at the forefront as it invests in electric grid upgrades and efficient generation resources to strengthen the system and serve growing energy needs.

More information is available at duke-energy.com. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook for stories about the people and innovations powering its communities.

Media Contact: Catherine Ramirez
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/duke-energy-supports-south-carolina-first-responders-with-500-000-in-grants-for-emergency-preparedness-302792693.html

SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What did Duke Energy (DUK) announce about the 2026 HERO grants in South Carolina?

Duke Energy announced $500,000 in 2026 HERO grants to South Carolina organizations to support emergency preparedness. According to Duke Energy, the funding targets training, life-saving equipment and technology to improve planning and recovery from severe weather across the state.

How many organizations will receive Duke Energy (DUK) 2026 HERO grants in South Carolina?

Duke Energy is awarding 2026 HERO grants to 34 nonprofits and government agencies across South Carolina. According to Duke Energy, each organization can receive up to $20,000 to fund emergency preparedness training, equipment and technology for weather-related disaster response.

What is Duke Energy's HERO Grant Program and how much has it funded since 2022?

The HERO Grant Program supports emergency response organizations with grants for preparedness and disaster response. According to Duke Energy, since 2022 the program has funded 133 grants totaling $2.5 million for nonprofits and local agencies, including the 2026 South Carolina awards.

How will the 2026 Duke Energy HERO grants impact South Carolina emergency preparedness?

The 2026 HERO grants are intended to bolster emergency readiness before severe weather events. According to Duke Energy, funds will support training, life-saving equipment, communication tools, traffic-control resources, shelter capacity and weather-safety upgrades to improve disaster planning and recovery across multiple counties.

Can you give examples of past HERO grant uses that benefited South Carolina communities?

Past HERO grants funded a Cut & Toss debris team, a traffic-control trailer and additional shelter capacity. According to Duke Energy, these resources helped clear roads, secure hazardous sites and operate multiple warming shelters during events like Hurricane Helene and Winter Storm Fern.

How does Duke Energy Foundation support communities beyond the 2026 HERO grants?

The Duke Energy Foundation provides ongoing philanthropic support in its service areas. According to Duke Energy, the Foundation delivers more than $30 million annually, funded by shareholders, to meet community needs where its electric and natural gas customers live and work.

Why is Duke Energy (DUK) focusing HERO grants on the 2026 hurricane season in South Carolina?

The 2026 HERO grants are timed to strengthen readiness for the upcoming hurricane season. According to Duke Energy, the funding helps emergency managers, first responders and community leaders address identified preparedness gaps and better protect residents during severe weather impacting South Carolina.