United Way Partners with Duke Energy to Curb Heating Cost for Residents This Winter
Posted: 11-16-2009 : BURLINGTON, N.C.

BURLINGTON, NC -- Winter is quickly approaching and for those who are struggling due to the downturn in the economy, heating their homes this season may become a hardship. There is hope. United Way of Alamance County, for the 24th year, will partner with Duke Energy to provide assistance to those in need through the Share the Warmth Program (STW).

“Share the Warmth is a program I particularly like,” said Davis Montgomery, Duke Energy District Manager for the Carolinas. “We partner with our customers to help low income families with financial assistance during the winter heating season.”

According to Montgomery, since the program’s establishment in 1985, Duke Energy has completed 20 successful seasons and provided over $31 million in heating bill assistance. Last year alone United Way, with the help of the Salvation Army and Alamance County Community Services, distributed approximately $38,000 to over 368 families in Alamance County.

Funding for Share the Warmth comes from Duke Energy customers, the Duke Energy Foundation, and Duke Energy’s Bulk Power Marketing (BPM) revenue sharing program. According to Montgomery, Duke Energy will match customer contributions dollar for dollar up to the limit of $500,000. The contributions received from Alamance County will remain in Alamance County, along with the company match, in three installments spaced out through the heating season.

“Partner agencies throughout our service territory will then work with clients on a case by case situation reviewing each one for eligibility for the program,” said Montgomery. “The money they receive can go towards any heating bill, not just electricity.

“The United Way is honored to be a part of a program established by one of our area’s largest utility companies, said United Way President, Cindy Brady. “Duke Energy is a wonderful corporate citizen and we appreciate their willingness to make a difference in the lives of our residents.”

November 12 through December 18, Duke Energy customers will receive a bill insert about the STW program. Customers are encouraged to contribute to Share the Warmth by using the return envelope they receive in their electric bill or mail a check directly to the The Duke Energy Foundation, P.O. Box 35469 Charlotte, N.C. 28254-3429. The contribution is tax deductible and the Duke Energy Foundation will match up to $500,000 in customer contributions during the heating season.

For more information, contact Ruth Pruitt at 336-438-2000.

www.uwalamance.org