INDIANA — Duke Energy announced it is doubling its available financial assistance in 2026 to help Indiana residents manage their utility costs, providing $900,000 in direct shareholder funding to support low-income households across the state.
The funding boost is delivered through a combination of Duke Energy’s Share the Light Fund—which relies on contributions from company shareholders, the Duke Energy Foundation, employees, and voluntary customer donations—and its newly introduced Summer Energy Credit program. The new total doubles the $450,000 in shareholder funding provided last year.
The expansion comes after a particularly hot stretch of weather across the region. In September alone, Indiana recorded “cooling degree days”—a metric measuring the energy needed to cool buildings based on outdoor temperatures—that were 70% higher than the seasonal normal.
“Through the heat of the summer and the chill of winter, we want to be there when our customers need us most,” said Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana. “Extreme temperatures can drive up energy bills, and the Share the Light Fund can help. We encourage our customers to look into it and see if they qualify.”
Impact and Eligibility
Since 2022, the Share the Light Fund has distributed more than $2.8 million in total utility assistance, aiding more than 9,700 Indiana households.
- Available Credit: Qualifying Indiana residents can receive an annual credit of up to $250 applied directly to their Duke Energy account.
- Covered Expenses: Funds can be used toward standard utility bills, deposits, and connection or reconnection fees.
- How to Apply: Duke Energy partners with the Indiana Community Action Association to administer the funds. Eligibility is determined by household income, family size, and available resources. Residents can contact their local county community action agency to apply.
Additional Customer Savings Tools
In addition to direct financial aid, Duke Energy highlighted several programs designed to help residential customers monitor usage and lower monthly costs:
- Payment Assistance Finder: An online tool allowing customers to search for localized financial support programs by zip code.
- Mid-Cycle Usage Alerts: Automated notifications sent halfway through a billing cycle showing current electricity consumption and projected costs.
- Smart Usage Option: A new time-of-use rate structure that offers lower pricing to residents who shift energy-intensive chores to off-peak hours.
- Free Home Energy Audits: Professional virtual or in-person assessments that provide customized efficiency guidance and a complimentary kit of energy-saving items.
- Installment Payment Plans: Flexible scheduling options for customers who need extended payment timelines.
Customers interested in reviewing assistance options or enrolling in efficiency programs can visit duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings.
