Duke Energy and its charitable arm, the Duke Energy Foundation, have announced $125,000 in grants to nine nonprofit organizations across South Carolina. The funding aims to help low-income households make essential repairs that are needed before energy efficiency upgrades can be installed.
The grants, each up to $20,000, were awarded following a request for proposals process launched in September. Recipients include Citizens United for Redevelopment and Economic Stability of Chester ($10,000), City of Florence ($10,000), Emmanuel’s Hammer ($20,000), Habitat for Humanity Greenville County ($20,000), Habitat for Humanity of York County ($10,000), Helping Florence Flourish ($10,000), Rebuild Upstate ($5,000), Sumter United Ministries ($20,000) and United Way of Hartsville ($20,000).
Many homes in South Carolina cannot benefit from weatherization programs due to pre-existing health and safety issues such as roof leaks or electrical hazards. These must be addressed before energy efficiency improvements can take place.
Jerry Dudley, Planning Director for the City of Florence stated: “The Duke Energy Foundation grant will enhance the city’s Weatherization and Rehabilitation Program by funding critical home repairs for income-challenged households. Several homeowners are in urgent need of roof repairs. These grant dollars will help extend the reach of the city’s program, allowing us to serve more families and address essential housing needs.”
John Lattimore, Chief Program Officer at Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County said: “Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County is excited and honored to continue our partnership with Duke Energy and their commitment to providing a better quality of life for families in need. This specific funding will help provide warm, safe and dry conditions through critical home repairs for several deserving families. The need is great in our community and partners like Duke Energy allow us to meet more of that need.”
Tim Pearson, President at Duke Energy South Carolina commented: “Many homes in our state have underlying safety issues that prevent homeowners from participating in energy efficiency and weatherization programs that can significantly moderate energy bills and decrease the growing demand on the energy grid. Recent legislative efforts have made it clear energy efficiency is critical to our long-term efforts to respond to growth in our state, and Duke Energy continues to look at new ways of expanding energy saving opportunities for our customers.”
In addition to these grants, a pilot program was launched by Duke Energy Progress in 2024 offering free energy improvements based on household income and usage. In 2025 the company expanded incentives and eligibility criteria across many energy efficiency programs aimed at helping customers save money on their bills. More information about these initiatives is available at duke-energy.com/SummerSavings.
The Duke Energy Foundation provides over $30 million annually in philanthropic support within communities served by Duke Energy customers. The foundation receives its funding from company shareholders.
Duke Energy serves electric utility customers across six states including North Carolina and South Carolina as well as Florida among others; its natural gas services cover parts of five states including Tennessee.
Further details about the company can be found on duke-energy.com or via social media channels such as X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn or Facebook.
