The foundation is also contributing $400,000 to support heating assistance programs in the company's Midwest territory, for a total contribution of $800,000 to its public assistance programs.

For more than 20 years, the company has sponsored the Share the Warmth program, which annually provides financial assistance to low income residents in its Carolinas service area. This public assistance program distributes funds to more than 80 agencies in North and South Carolina to assist senior citizens, families and others who are struggling to pay heating bills.

Since the program's inception, Share the Warmth has provided more than $20 million in funding, with $2.2 million collected so far this heating season from Duke Energy, its customers and the Duke Energy Foundation.

"During these challenging times, we know many people are facing situations they have never faced before. We thought it critical to do even more to help our neighbors stay warm this winter," said Brett Carter, president, Duke Energy Carolinas. "This $400,000 gift is on top of the $2.2 million already collected."

In November, Duke Energy Carolinas customers received a bill insert describing the Share the Warmth program and how to participate. All contributions are tax deductible and 100 percent of the contributions go directly to the participating agencies. Funds are provided through March when the heating season ends.

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