Duke Energy Foundation and the Tampa Bay Rays have announced a joint donation of $82,000 to help Florida residents pay their energy bills. The contribution is tied to the Rays’ performance during the 2025 regular baseball season, with $1,000 donated for every game the team won.
The funds will be distributed through Duke Energy’s Share the Light Fund, which provides utility bill assistance to customers in need. Grants were presented to 14 community agencies at the Rays’ final home game of the season.
Melissa Seixas, state president of Duke Energy Florida, 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 supports income-restricted Duke Energy customers by helping cover expenses for electricity and other utilities such as natural gas or oil. Each year, donations made through this program are matched up to $500,000 by Duke Energy Foundation.
Rays President Brian Auld commented: “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 contributed through Share the Light goes directly to social service agencies including United Way and Tampa Bay 2-1-1 for distribution among those needing assistance. So far in 2025, over $491,000 has been allocated from this fund.
Customers seeking financial help can find resources at duke-energy.com/ShareTheLight.
Duke Energy Foundation annually provides more than $30 million in philanthropic aid within its communities. The foundation is supported by shareholders of Duke Energy.
Duke Energy is one of America’s largest energy holding companies serving millions across several states including Florida. Its subsidiary Duke Energy Florida supplies electricity across a large part of Florida.
The Tampa Bay Rays have been active in charitable efforts since joining Major League Baseball in 1998.
