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Duke Energy and Piedmont Gas take steps to help customers

FOOTHILLS—Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas announced this week steps they are taking to help customers in the wake of COVID-19. 

The company will waive late payment fees and fees for returned payments for electric and natural gas customers beginning on Saturday, March 21 until the national state of emergency is over. Fees for credit and debit card payments are also waived for residential customers. 

Duke Energy already announced last week it would discontinue service disconnections for non-payment. 

“This is an unprecedented crisis that requires an unprecedented response,” said Duke Energy Chairman, President and CEO Lynn Good. “We hope the customers and communities we are privileged to serve-and the outstanding Duke Energy employees who serve them-will take some comfort from these actions.”

Duke Energy covers 7.8 million electric customers and 1.8 million natural gas customers, many being served by Piedmont Natural Gas. 

Duke Energy also announced $1.3 million in donations by the Duke Energy Foundation to support hunger relief and help local health and human service nonprofits across its service territories. 

Duke Energy gave a $3,00 grant to Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry in Columbus to help with its hunger relief efforts. In giving the grant, Duke Energy officials thanked Outreach Executive Director George Alley, his staff and volunteers for their hard work and dedication in helping the citizens of Polk County. 

Duke Energy is also providing more personal days off for employees and a $1,500 stipend to employees to assist with unplanned expenses. The company also donated $100,000 to the Relief4Employees Program, which is a fund that employees can draw on for short-term financial help for times of personal need. 

Duke Energy also said this week it will continue to read meters in most areas and send bills. 

“Customers should pay what they can to avoid building up large balances that will be more difficult to pay off later,” Duke Energy said in a release this week. 

The company said it will remain staffed and continue to respond to power outages and other emergencies. 

Customers can download the Duke Energy or Piedmont Gas apps for information and service transactions. 

* Duke Energy Carolinas: 1-800-777-9898
* Duke Energy Progress: 1-800-419-6356
* Piedmont Natural Gas: 1-800-752-7504