TAMPA, Fla. — With the government shutdown moving into its third week, Duke Energy is reminding customers that help managing energy bills is available for any customer who may be experiencing financial hardship, including workers affected by the shutdown.
“While the government shutdown is a very visible issue now, we recognize that unforeseen hardships can happen to anyone at any time,” said Lesley Quick, Duke Energy’s vice president of revenue services. “To assist our customers who are having difficulties paying their bills, we have long offered programs and assistance agencies to help."
Billing/Payment Assistance Programs
Duke Energy has partnered with local assistance agencies across their service areas who distribute funds to customers who are unable to make payments on specific dates.
Each state has specific programs and eligibility requirements.
Duke Energy Florida
- Energy Neighbor Fund: https://www.duke-energy.com/community/customer-assistance-programs/energy-neighbor-fund
- Bill Extender: https://www.duke-energy.com/home/billing/special-assistance/bill-extender
- Partnership Agencies: https://www.duke-energy.com/community/customer-assistance-programs/energy-neighbor-fund/energy-assistance-resources-fl
Budget Billing/Equal Payment Plans
Customers who have more than 12-months of usage history at their current residence may qualify for one of the billing and payment plans that gives customers the option of levelized monthly payments.
Duke Energy says these billing plans are ideal for customers who are unable to pay a large bill now, but can afford to pay the average amount.
Deferred Payments
If a customer is unable to pay a past due bill, customer service specialists will able to provide assistance to meet the customer's specific needs.
Residential Customer Service Specialists are available Monday - Friday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST in Florida.
- Duke Energy Florida: 800-700-8744