Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation have announced $125,000 in microgrants to nine nonprofit organizations across South Carolina. The grants, each up to $20,000, are intended to help these nonprofits make repairs that will allow homes with pre-existing health and safety issues to qualify for energy efficiency upgrades.
Many homes in South Carolina cannot participate in weatherization programs due to problems such as roof leaks, electrical hazards, mold, pest infestations, or structural deficiencies. These conditions must be addressed before any energy efficiency improvements can take place.
The grant 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).
Jerry Dudley, Planning Director for the City of Florence said: “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 stated: “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 of Duke Energy South Carolina added: “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 supporting local nonprofits’ repair work so homes can become eligible for weatherization assistance programs—thereby helping residents save on utility costs—Duke Energy Progress launched a pilot program in 2024 offering free energy improvements based on household income and usage. In 2025 the company expanded incentives and eligibility criteria across its energy efficiency initiatives in South Carolina so more customers could benefit from savings opportunities. More information about these programs is available at duke-energy.com/SummerSavings.
The Duke Energy Foundation provides over $30 million annually through philanthropic support focused on communities where its customers live and work. The foundation is funded by shareholders.
Duke Energy serves millions of electric customers across six states including North Carolina and South Carolina. It also operates natural gas utilities serving over a million customers across five states. The company has been investing heavily in grid upgrades as well as cleaner generation sources such as renewables and nuclear power.
More details about Duke Energy’s operations can be found at duke-energy.com or via their social media channels.
