Duke Energy offering energy assistance funds

PLAINFIELD, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — Qualified Indiana customers who are struggling to pay energy bills during the pandemic are eligible for energy assistance funds from Duke Energy. The company is providing $300,000 for residential customers to avoid having their service disconnected due to nonpayment if a payment plan is established, which is now able to be extended up to 12 months.

“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 is working with the Indiana Community Action Association and the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s Energy Assistance Program to determine eligibility and to distribute the funding. Duke suspended disconnecting service for those who can’t pay due to the pandemic, until September 15.

“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.

For more information on payment plans, visit here.