• $150,000 will go to the Red Cross to support relief in the local communities the storm impacted
• $100,000 will go to the Volunteer Florida Foundation, which assists Florida communities during times of emergency or disaster

The Duke Energy Foundation is committing $250,000 to support relief and recovery efforts in areas impacted by Hurricane Ian.

Duke Energy announced on Tuesday that $100,000 will be distributed to the Red Cross with an additional $50,000 available in matching employee donations. Volunteer Florida will also receive $100,000 to support aid as part of the coordinated disaster response. In addition to disaster recovery, the funds will support meals, emergency services and supplies.

“Supporting our communities with disaster preparedness, response and recovery is vital,” said Amy Strecker, Duke Energy Foundation president. “The Red Cross provides critical relief and recovery services across Duke Energy’s service territories, and we’re grateful for how they care for our communities in crisis.”

Over the past five years, the Duke Energy Foundation has donated more than $2 million to the American Red Cross in support of disaster relief.

“As the American Red Cross continues to respond to the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian, we are proud that Duke Energy is joining us to aid communities affected by this deadly disaster,” said Anna Trefethen, vice president, Humanitarian Services, American Red Cross. “Duke Energy has been a disaster partner for years, and their generous support now is vital to our service delivery.”

Hurricane Ian made landfall last Wednesday, pummeling Florida’s Gulf Coast before continuing on a northward trek. The Category 4 storm left a path of destruction across the Sunshine State, producing catastrophic flooding and storm surge, while leaving more than 2 million Florida homes and businesses without power.

In a news release, Duke Energy noted that crews have restored nearly 2 million customers across Florida and the Carolinas since Hurricane Ian exited its service territory on Saturday.

Duke Energy Florida added that it aims to have all customers restored Monday night – except for those who cannot receive power because of damage or flooding.

“Our crews have restored nearly 1 million customers since the storm left Florida, and we are pushing ahead to have all customers restored Monday night,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “Our crews have worked tirelessly the past few days, and we thank our customers for their patience during this stressful time.”

As of 2 p.m., the company had around 15,000 customers without power. Duke Energy Florida serves 1.9 million customers statewide

Supporting our communities with disaster response & recovery is vital – especially after #Ian hit FL, SC & NC. We’ve committed $250,000 to support relief & recovery efforts including meals, emergency services & supplies. $100,000 will go to @RedCross. https://t.co/3AFYMEZbUb pic.twitter.com/uEJOKtCfrk

— Duke Energy (@DukeEnergy) October 4, 2022