Duke Energy Foundation and the Tampa Bay Rays have jointly announced an $82,000 donation to assist Florida customers with their energy bills. The funds were raised through a program where Duke Energy Foundation contributed $1,000 for every win by the Tampa Bay Rays during the 2025 regular season.
The donation will go to the Share the Light Fund, which distributes resources to community agencies that help income-restricted Duke Energy customers pay utility expenses. Grants were presented to 14 agencies during the Rays’ final home game of the season.
Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, stated: “While rates will decrease for Duke Energy Florida customers in March 2026, we understand many are still facing financial challenges and may have difficulty paying their bills. We remain committed to our customers and providing them with above-and-beyond service, so we appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with the Tampa Bay Rays, once again, to help connect them to the individualized support they need, when they need it most.”
The Share the Light Fund is designed for low-income households needing assistance with various utility expenses such as electric, natural gas, oil or wood. Besides this partnership’s contribution, Duke Energy Foundation matches donations up to $500,000 annually.
Brian Auld, President of the Tampa Bay Rays said: “The Tampa Bay Rays, like Duke Energy, prioritize contributions that support our community’s needs. We are proud to continue this meaningful partnership and help Tampa Bay area residents – and all Floridians – manage their energy costs and power their lives.”
All money collected by Share the Light is distributed directly through social service organizations like United Way and Tampa Bay 2-1-1. In 2025 alone so far more than $491,000 has been provided through this fund.
Customers seeking assistance can find more information at duke-energy.com/ShareTheLight.
Duke Energy Foundation provides over $30 million each year in philanthropic support across communities served by Duke Energy customers. The foundation operates using funds from company shareholders.
Duke Energy is one of America’s largest energy holding companies serving electric utilities in six states and supplying natural gas services in five states. Its subsidiary Duke Energy Florida supplies electricity across a large part of Florida with a capacity of 12,500 megawatts for two million customers.
The Tampa Bay Rays organization focuses on strengthening community bonds through charitable efforts alongside its participation in Major League Baseball since 1998.
