{"id":531366,"date":"2021-08-25T11:50:16","date_gmt":"2021-08-25T15:50:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/duke-energy-connects-north-carolina-customers-to-utility-assistance-provides-energy-saving-tips\/"},"modified":"2021-08-25T11:50:16","modified_gmt":"2021-08-25T15:50:16","slug":"duke-energy-connects-north-carolina-customers-to-utility-assistance-provides-energy-saving-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/duke-energy-connects-north-carolina-customers-to-utility-assistance-provides-energy-saving-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Duke Energy connects North Carolina customers to utility assistance; provides energy-saving tips"},"content":{"rendered":"
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– Company continues proactively notifying customers of payment plans, other tools to help manage energy bills.<\/h2>\n

PR Newswire<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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\n CHARLOTTE, N.C.<\/span>, Aug. 25, 2021<\/span> \/PRNewswire\/ —\u00a0With rising summer temperatures threatening to cause even more financial hardship for people struggling to pay their energy bills, Duke Energy continues to support customers, connect them with available assistance, and offer tools and programs \u2013 including flexible payment plans \u2013 to help manage electric bills. \u00a0<\/p>\n

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\n Assistance programs<\/b>\n <\/p>\n

Duke Energy is reaching out to customers who are past due through email and\/or text\u00a0with information about utility assistance administered by agencies in their local communities.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/p>\n

\n LIHEAP<\/i>\n <\/p>\n

This income-based program allows those earning below certain thresholds to qualify for federal energy bill assistance money through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) program. The qualifying income thresholds are based on factors that include household income and the number of people living in a home. To learn how to qualify and apply for LIHEAP funds visit: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)<\/a><\/p>\n

\n Emergency Rental Assistance Program \/ HOPE 2.0<\/i>\n <\/p>\n

Emergency Rental Assistance Program (HOPE 2.0) dollars are again available to help eligible customers pay past-due rent and utility bills dating back to March 13, 2020<\/span>. Eligible applicants may receive up to 12 months of rent assistance, which may include up to nine months of past-due rent. The program also covers essential utilities, up to a maximum amount. <\/p>\n

Complete details about the HOPE Program are available at Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA)\/HOPE 2.0 program<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0or applicants can call (888) 9ASK-HOPE.<\/p>\n

\n Homeowner Assistance Fund<\/i>\n <\/p>\n

The Homeowner Assistance Fund is a new federal program established for homeowners experiencing a financial hardship after Jan. 21, 2020<\/span>, as a result of \u00a0COVID-19. Funds will help prevent homeowner mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures and loss of utility service. Homeowners with an income equal to or less\u00a0than 150% of the area median (average) income may be eligible. Learn more: Homeowner Assistance Fund<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n Assistance agency funds<\/i>\n <\/p>\n

Some customers may also qualify for assistance from various government and nonprofit programs for utility bills and other household expenses.\u00a0211.org<\/a>\u00a0is a free service to help customers find local community agencies that can help meet a wide range of needs, including utility bills, housing, food and other essentials, child and elder care, medical expenses and health counseling. Customers can learn about agencies that serve their area, by dialing 211 or visiting nc211.org online. <\/p>\n

In addition, Duke Energy Progress and Duke Energy Carolinas customers can learn more about how community agencies can help by visiting our website<\/a>. Resources are also available here<\/a> for small business customers, from financial assistance to billing and payment options to professional guidance to manage their energy usage.\u00a0 <\/p>\n

\n Other assistance for managing utility bills<\/b>\n <\/p>\n

\n Budget Billing \/ Equal Payment Plan<\/i>\n <\/p>\n

Duke Energy’s Budget Billing and Equal Payment Plan options lets customers pay one predictable amount every month to better manage their budget. The amount is periodically reviewed and adjusted. Learn more about Budget Billing here<\/a> and learn more about the Equal Payment Plan here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n Pick Your Due Date<\/i>\n <\/p>\n

With Pick Your Due Date, customers can choose the date they want their Duke Energy bill to be due each month. Combining Pick Your Due Date together with Budget Billing can give customers even more control over their energy bills. Learn more: www.duke-energy.com\/home\/billing\/pick-your-due-date<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n Installment Plans<\/i>\n <\/p>\n

Installment plans give customers more flexibility to pay a past-due balance over a longer period. Customers can request a few extra days or restructure the past-due balance into a monthly payment plan. Customers should contact Duke Energy to discuss options available to them: <\/p>\n