Duke Energy Kentucky Helping Hand utility bill assistance

Neighbors helping Neighbors is the concept behind the Duke Energy Helping Hand energy assistance program. Donations pay for this resource, and the money comes from private individuals, companies, businesses, Trustees/charities and other groups across Kentucky. All of the funds are distributed to income qualified customers for paying a select number or type of utility bills, including heating, gas, or electric.

A variety of customers can apply for assistance. However the number helped is minimal, and many people may need to turn away as the donations will run out. Even though not everyone can be assisted, there still may be hundreds of people each year who receive some money to pay their utility bills. If someone does not qualify then they may be referred to other solutions, including LIHEAP grants or local charitable services.

Generally funds go to families facing a short term crisis. So if the Duke Energy customer had one or more of the following situations they may qualify the donation program.
-A man or women in which they unexpectedly divorced or their spouse passed away.
-A major car breakdown that caused the customer to lose their job.
-Serious health care issue that leads to missed work or unexpected medical bills.
-Furnace or HVAC unit that breaks down.
-Senior citizen on a fixed income with a serious medical issue.

Other conditions may apply too. But Duke Energy Helping Hand will ensure the application is truly in crisis. If this is not an emergency situation then the donations that fund the program will not be used for it. Instead referrals to other services may be given.

Donations come from the public in various dollar amounts. Individuals can round up their monthly utility bill to the next highest dollar amount as par of the Duke Energy Helping Hand Neighbors to Neighbors concept. There are also contributions to the program from the management as well as Trustees at the Duke Energy company itself and local businesses. People donate on a recurring or one-time basis. All of these funds are used to help low income families with their utility costs.

 

 

 

 

Application process to Helping Hand in Kentucky

When applying for help from Duke Energy Helping Hand, have the following documentation. Bring copies of all current household bills, not just energy. So bring a copy of lease, mortgage statement, and budget for the last 2 months. Identification is also needed, including drivers license/photo ID as well as birth certificates. Clients also need proof of all household income (pension, disability, job, etc.) from last two months.

An assessment will take place. The staff at the company, as well as the partners that administer it, will ensure that only the most qualified customers get assistance for their utility bills. They will make this determination based upon the documentation above as well as past payment practices of the customer.

Funding for any type of heating or energy bill is limited. Much of the aid is constrained by donations, and those levels change yearly. So in those cases staff need documentation of the root cause of crisis. Since funds for utility bills are for a crisis only, the applicant needs to be facing an expense such as unexpected car repair, illness, or medical bill. Or maybe they had a job loss, so a hit to their household income. For more details, dial 1-800-372-2973.