Tag Archive for: #dukeenergy

Duke Energy

Time’s Ticking To Submit Application For Duke Energy’s ‘Powering Local Economies’ Grant

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Duke Energy’s “Powering Local Economies” grant window is open now to support local businesses.

But the deadline is fast approaching – applications must be submitted by June 30, according to information from Beth Townsend, Duke Energy East Region’s director for Government and Community Relations.

The grant is for up to $25,000 and is for entities that have a 501(c)(3) status.

Find details about the application process for this competitive grant at Powering Local Economies Grants – Duke Energy Foundation.The link provides information about eligibility criteria and ideas for how the funding could benefit your community.

To learn more, contact Anneliese Sessoms at Anneliese.Sessoms@duke-energy.com.

Vance-Granville Community College Receives $25,000 from Duke Energy for Regional Workforce Development

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— submitted by Courtney Cissel, VGCC Public Information Officer

Vance-Granville Community College is expanding its capacity to prepare students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing and the energy sector thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation.

The grant is part of a broader $600,000 Duke Energy Foundation investment to strengthen North Carolina’s energy workforce. Through the effort, 20 community colleges across the state will receive resources to help develop the skilled workforce needed for the state’s continued growth and infrastructure investments.

The colleges will receive $25,000 each to support hands-on training, equipment, scholarships, and curriculum enhancements for programs connected to the energy ecosystem—from electrical systems and linework to welding, HVAC, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies. According to College officials, Vance-Granville will use the funding to purchase a piece of equipment that will be used across several programs at its Center for Advanced Manufacturing & Applied Technology, which is currently under development.

“This funding enables the College to make significant investments in staying aligned with current industry partner standards in mechatronics, electronics, welding, and other advanced manufacturing programs,” noted VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais. “The funding will also provide foundational equipment necessary to meet new local training needs in computer numerical control machining.”

From left: Tanya Weary, VGCC Foundation Executive Director; Beth Townsend, Duke Energy Government & Community Relations; Dr. Rachel Desmarais, VGCC President; and Fredesvinda Colindres, VGCC Grants Administrator.

The Bigger Picture

North Carolina is now home to more than 11 million residents and remains one of the fastest‑growing states in the nation. In 2025 alone, companies announced economic development projects generating more than 35,000 jobs and $24 billion in investments—much of it tied to new manufacturing facilities. That growth is driving rising energy demand and reinforcing the need for a well‑prepared, locally trained workforce.

“Investing in North Carolina’s community colleges is critical as our industry and state meet this incredible growth moment,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina President. “These programs are proven launchpads into meaningful, in‑demand careers—helping build the workforce that will power what’s next and support the infrastructure our customers rely on every day.”

In addition, the Duke Energy Foundation is investing $100,000 in two regional workforce partners to help expand access to high-demand training programs aligned with the energy sector. One of those partners is AdvanceNC, a regional coalition among community colleges, universities, and workforce boards focused on supplying skilled talent for Central North Carolina employers. Vance-Granville Community College has been a member of AdvanceNC since its 2023 inception.

Preservation Warrenton Receives $15,000 Grant from the Duke Energy Foundation

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Preservation Warrenton, NC, Inc. has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to support the development of the Macon & Main Historic Park in downtown Warrenton as a permanent public space dedicated to sharing local history.

Beth Townsend, director of East Region Government and Community Relations for Duke Energy, which includes Vance and Warren Counties, indicated the funding will be used for:

Site preparation and landscaping to create a safe, accessible green space, including grading, soil stabilization, and installation of plantings consistent with the historic character of downtown Warrenton;

Permanent interpretive signage that highlights Warrenton’s architectural heritage, early civic life, and cultural contributions to North Carolina’s broader American story;

Park furnishings and infrastructure including benches and seating that encourage community gathering and allow the space to function as an outdoor classroom and event venue;

Public programming and educational activation, including a public launch event and educational programming tied to America250, as well as outreach to local schools and community groups.

Cherie Nielsen, tourism manager for Warren County said, “This project will transform a donated historic lot into an accessible gathering space, and the Duke Energy Foundation support ensures that the park is not simply a passive green space but an active and educational public platform. The overall project will create a permanent downtown asset that increases accessibility to local history, strengthens civic engagement, and provides a welcoming gathering place for residents and visitors alike.”

The effort is part of a larger initiative announced this past Earth Day, April 22, 2026, when the Duke Energy Foundation invested $618,417 to help communities across North Carolina protect natural resources, restore habitats and expand access to safe, welcoming outdoor spaces. The investment includes:

Twenty-five grants awarded statewide, supporting nonprofits working on the front lines of conservation, environmental resilience and community‑led outdoor projects;

Four grants awarded through the first round of the Foundation’s America250 initiative, which supports community projects that honor local history and expand access to shared spaces as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy Foundation Grants Support Local Storm Preparedness

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— Information from Duke Energy

The Duke Energy Foundation is committing $500,000 in grants to support local storm preparedness across North Carolina. Eligible organizations can apply for grants of up to $25,000 now through April 30, 2026 by visiting the Duke Energy Foundation website.

Successful applications will describe pressing local preparedness needs and how the organization(s) will use the funds, according to information from Beth Townsend, Duke Energy East Region’s director of Government and Community Relations.

Examples of potential, successful proposals include:

  • Collaboration across agencies, sectors and communities in local disaster preparedness and response.
  • Innovative planning of initiatives for communities to prepare for natural disasters and extreme weather.
  • Storm readiness training, materials, kits and other community engagement and education initiatives.
  • Specialized training for first responders for natural disaster scenarios.

The application website includes information on qualifications, registering through Benevity, and step-by-step instructions. However, if you have any questions, please contact Sue Mills at sue.mills@duke-engery.com.

Duke Energy: Voluntarily Reduce Energy Use from 4-10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 2

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— press release courtesy of Duke Energy

Extremely cold temperatures – 10 to 20 degrees below normal – are driving unusually high energy demand across the East Coast, including the Carolinas. Duke Energy is asking all Carolinas customers to voluntarily reduce their energy use from 4-10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 2, to help lessen the energy demand on the grid and reduce the potential of temporary power outages.

Customers can help ease strain on the grid by taking the following steps:

  • Reduce your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting.
  • Avoid using major appliances such as washing machines, clothes dryers and dishwashers between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m.
  • Turn off any unnecessary devices, unused plug-ins and lights.
  • Electric vehicle owners: Charge midday, when demand is lower.

“We know it’s inconvenient to reduce electric use, but it makes a real difference.” said Gerald Wilson, Duke Energy vice president of grid operations. “We are taking every step to meet our customers energy needs, including maximizing our generation and purchasing power and working with large commercial and industrial customers who have demand response programs. We appreciate our customers’ cooperation, patience and understanding as we work to maintain reliable service across the Carolinas.”

Winter Weather

Prepare NOW For Expected Weekend Snowfall

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 — From Duke Energy

Duke Energy is preparing for a weekend of expected snow and gusty winds accompanied by ongoing frigid temperatures.

The company is urging customers to take steps now to stay safe as conditions worsen.

While dry, powdery snow is less likely to impact power equipment, strong wind gusts can still bring down trees and trigger outages. For safety, Duke Energy crews cannot perform elevated work in bucket trucks when wind speeds reach 30 mph or higher.

What customers should do now:

  • Make a plan and prepare an emergency kit:Charge phones, gather flashlights and extra batteries, and review other critical actions.
  • Download or update the Duke Energy app:Available on the Apple Store and Google Play.
  • Confirm Duke Energy account login info:Log in via My Account or mobile app to review and update contact info and communications preferences.
  • Sign up for outage alerts:Receive outage information and restoration updates by text, phone, or email.
  • Know how to report an outage:Submit reports online, via mobile app, by texting OUT to 57801 or calling 800.POWERON (800.769.3766).
Duke Energy

Duke Energy Warns Customers Of Text Scam Circulating

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Scammers these days seem to take advantage of any situation, and the weekend’s ice storm is no exception. Duke Energy officials report that some customers have received fraudulent text messages that appear to be from Duke Energy, but they are not.

If you receive a text message that indicates you will be impacted by a scheduled power outage, do NOT click any link or download attachments associated with the message.

Customers should avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from businesses or individuals they do not know, and they should contact Duke Energy directly at 1.800.777.9898 between the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., to discuss their account or visit company communications channels for the latest updates.

 

Duke Energy

TownTalk: Avoid Utility Scammers With ‘Slow Down, Verify, Report’ Approach

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The phone rings and, when you answer it, you hear a recorded voice that says your power is going to be disconnected. All you have to do is make an easy, online payment to avoid a disruption in service.

Many consumers recognize this for what it is – a SCAM!

And as utility companies like Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas know all too well, their customers often must navigate choppy internet waters to avoid becoming victims of online schemes and scams.

Duke Energy’s Beth Townsend offers some tips to stay safe as the utility recognizes Wednesday, Nov. 19 as the 10th annual Utility Scam Awareness Day—a decade-long commitment to helping communities slow down, verify and stop utility scams.

Townsend said Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas will never:

  • Specify how you must pay
  • Threaten immediate service interruption
  • Ask for personal info or payment details by phone, email or in person

“If you’re targeted, hang up, shut the door, or delete the message,” she said. Contact your utility using the info on your bill or the utility’s official website. And if you ever feel unsafe, call 911.

Townsend, Duke’s East Region director for Government and Community Relations, said the utility received more than 5,600 scam reports in 2025, with 2,338 coming from North Carolina.

“Scammers often demand immediate payment, threaten service cut-off or request payment via prepaid cards or cryptocurrency. Utilities will never do this,” Townsend said.

The most common types of scams, she said, include disconnection threats, links to fake webpages, a promise to mail refund checks and utility worker imposters, she noted.

Customers can protect themselves in several different ways:

 

  • Slow Down: If a payment request feels urgent or suspicious, pause and protect yourself.
  • Verify: Always use the official phone number or website from your bill.
  • Stop the Scam: Report any suspicious contact to your utility and law enforcement.

 

Townsend included the following resources to report scams or to learn more:

 

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The Local Skinny! Duke Energy holds Key Leader Update Event

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Duke Energy held a Key Leader Update Event this week. Information is also presented about the importance of line workers.

(Our WIZS written coverage will appear here soon.)

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Duke Energy

Duke Energy Names New Community Relations Manager

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Duke Energy has announced Elizabeth Townsend as its new Government and Community Relations manager, succeeding Tanya Evans, who recently accepted a new position with the company and relocated to South Carolina.

“This is an exciting transition for me after having served in various capacities at Piedmont Community College for the last 17 years,” Townsend said in a press statement. Townsend served most recently as the community college’s vice president for advancement and communications.

“Duke Energy believes our success is tied directly to the success and strength of our communities and the customers we serve, and I couldn’t agree more. Tanya ensured a tradition of responsiveness and community involvement, and I look forward to building upon that commitment,” she said.

As a reminder, Townsend said Duke Energy’s customer service center is available to help with billing and service inquiries, as well as when outages are rerported. That number is 800.452.2777.

Duke Energy monitors storms throughout the state to be ready to respond to outages and emergencies.

Customers who experience an outage during storms can report it by:

  • Visiting duke-energy.com on a desktop computer or mobile device
  • Texting OUT to 57801
  • Calling the automated outage-reporting system at 800-POWERON