On December 9, 2025, Duke Energy Corp announced an impressive allocation of $125,000 in microgrants to support nonprofit organizations in South Carolina. This initiative aims to enhance energy efficiency in homes within the state, particularly for low-income households that face barriers due to pre-existing safety and health issues. By addressing these challenges, Duke Energy is paving the way for greater participation in energy efficiency programs, ultimately leading to long-term cost savings for residents.

2. The Importance of Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Addressing Barriers to Weatherization

Many homes across South Carolina remain ineligible for weatherization programs due to critical repair needs, such as roof leaks, electrical hazards, mold, pest infestations, or other structural deficiencies. The Duke Energy Foundation's grants are directed towards organizations that will make the necessary repairs to allow these households to participate in energy efficiency improvements. This proactive approach is essential for ensuring that vulnerable families can benefit from reduced energy costs and improved living conditions.

3. Grant Distribution: A Variety of Beneficiaries

Breakdown of Grant Recipients

The competitive request for proposals process launched in September 2025 allowed qualified nonprofit organizations to apply for grants of up to $20,000. The recipients of these microgrants include:

Citizens United for Redevelopment and Economic Stability for 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

United Way of Hartsville – $20,000

These organizations will utilize the funding to bolster their existing programs that assist income-challenged households in preparing for energy efficiency and weatherization initiatives.

4. Voices from the Community

Stakeholder Perspectives

The impact of these grants was underscored by comments from various stakeholders involved in the initiative.

Jerry Dudley, Planning Director, City of Florence, S.C., highlighted the critical role of the grant in enhancing the city's Weatherization and Rehabilitation Program. He noted that many homeowners urgently require roof repairs, and this funding will allow the city to extend its reach and serve more families in need.

John Lattimore, Chief Program Officer, Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County, expressed excitement about the partnership with Duke Energy, emphasizing that the funding will help provide safer and more secure living conditions for deserving families in their community.

Tim Pearson, President of Duke Energy's South Carolina division, emphasized the importance of addressing safety issues that hinder homeowners from participating in energy efficiency programs. He reiterated the company's commitment to expanding energy-saving opportunities, especially in light of recent legislative efforts aimed at promoting energy efficiency.

5. Additional Energy Efficiency Initiatives

Pilot Programs and Incentives

In conjunction with the grant announcement, Duke Energy Progress has been proactive in offering free energy improvements to qualifying households based on income and energy usage since 2024. In 2025, the company further expanded its incentives and eligibility criteria for energy efficiency and demand response programs in South Carolina, providing additional avenues for customers to save both money and energy.

6. Conclusion

The Duke Energy Foundation's $125,000 grant initiative marks a significant step forward in enhancing energy efficiency for low-income households in South Carolina. By addressing critical home repairs and enabling participation in energy-saving programs, Duke Energy is not only improving the quality of life for many families but also contributing to the long-term sustainability of the energy grid. The company's ongoing commitment to energy efficiency reflects its dedication to building a smarter, more reliable energy future for all its customers.

For more information about Duke Energy's energy efficiency programs, visit duke-energy.com/SummerSavings.

Original press release