CINCINNATI, Jan. 9, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy today reiterated that help managing energy bills is available for any customer who may be experiencing financial hardship, including workers affected by the federal government shutdown, which is moving into its third week.

"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 provided funding to local assistance agencies that can help."

Billing and payment assistance programs

For customers who are unable to commit to specific dates for payments, Duke Energy partners with local assistance agencies that distribute funds to individuals in need. Each state has specific programs and eligibility requirements.

Budget Billing

Customers who have more than 12 months of usage history at their current residence may qualify for Budget Billing, a free program that gives customers the option of levelized monthly payments.

Budget Billing is ideal for customers who are unable to pay a large bill now, but can afford to pay the average amount.

Deferred payments

In the event a customer is unable to pay a past-due bill, Duke Energy's customer service specialists are available to discuss the situation and provide assistance to meet the customer's specific needs. Specialists are available by calling 800.544.6900 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET.

Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky

Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky's operations provide electric service to about 850,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in a 3,000-square-mile service area, and natural gas service to approximately 533,000 customers.

Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky is a subsidiary of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK).

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S., with approximately 29,000 employees and a generating capacity of 49,500 megawatts. The company is transforming its customers' experience, modernizing its energy grid, generating cleaner energy and expanding its natural gas infrastructure to create a smarter energy future for the people and communities it serves.

The company's Electric Utilities and Infrastructure unit serves approximately 7.6 million retail electric customers in six states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Its Gas Utilities and Infrastructure unit distributes natural gas to approximately 1.6 million customers in five states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Its Commercial Renewables unit operates a growing renewable energy portfolio across the U.S.

A Fortune 125 company, Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2018 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' 2018 "America's Best Employers" list.

More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center includes news releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and other materials. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Contact: Lee Freedman
704.287.6150 | @DE_LeeF
24-Hour Media Line: 800.559.3853

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SOURCE Duke Energy