Latest news with #MelissaSeixas
Associated Press
29-05-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Duke Energy Foundation, City of New Port Richey Team Up for Summer Swim Safety
NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla., May 29, 2025 /3BL/ - In recognition of the May 15 designation as International Water Safety Day, Duke Energy Foundation announces a grant to the City of New Port Richey for swim lessons and summer camp scholarships. 'Safety is central to how we operate at Duke Energy. Providing water safety education through swim lessons is a fun but important way to keep children in our community safe this summer,' said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. 'We thank the City of New Port Richey for providing programming to families throughout the year and are happy to make these programs available to more children this summer.' The City of New Port Richey is offering summer day camp to residents June 2-Aug. 8 this summer. Registration is available by calling the Recreation and Aquatic Center at 727.841.4560 or visiting Limited spots are still available. 'We're incredibly grateful to Duke Energy Foundation for supporting our efforts to keep kids safe and active all summer long,' said Kevin Trapp, assistant parks and recreation director. 'This funding helps remove barriers for families and ensures more children can enjoy swim lessons and camp experiences that build confidence and lifelong safety skills.' Below are the top water safety tips from the American Red Cross, as an important reminder to all of us, on how to keep yourself, your family and friends safe in and around the water every day. For more information on water safety, please visit American Red Cross' water safety resources here. Duke Energy Foundation Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders. Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. About Duke Energy FloridaDuke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,500 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida. About City of New Port Richey: With a strong local government, an attractive historical downtown, and a unique riverfront landscape, New Port Richey is one of Florida's best walkable, waterfront, historic hometowns. For more information, visit Media contact: Laitin SterlingMedia line: 800.559.3853 View original content here. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Duke Energy Corporation
Associated Press
16-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Duke Energy Florida's Tree Care Practices Prevent Outages, Earn 19th Consecutive Year of National Recognition
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., May 16, 2025 /3BL/ - The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Duke Energy Florida for its tree care practices by naming the company a 'Tree Line USA' utility for the 19th year in a row. Duke Energy achieved Tree Line USA status by meeting certain criteria such as following industry standards for quality tree care, including proper pruning, annually training employees and contractors in best practices, sponsoring tree plantings and public education programs, and participating in annual Arbor Day events. One such event is Duke Energy's annual tree giveaway in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation's Energy-Saving Trees program. Each January, Duke Energy customers can order a free tree in honor of Florida Arbor Day. Since 2017, the company has given away more than 15,000 trees to customers throughout the state. The program helps customers conserve energy and reduce energy bills through strategic tree planting. The trees are shipped in 1-gallon buckets directly to customers' homes with planting and care instructions in time for National Arbor Day on Friday, April 25. 'Trees are a vital part of Florida's natural landscape, but they can also cause power outages during powerful storms,' said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. 'Through our many tree giveaways and programs, we show customers how they can help prevent power outages by making sure the tree they plant in their yard is the right tree in the right place.' Throughout the year, Duke Energy schedules periodic vegetation maintenance along power lines to minimize outages caused by trees in or near transmission and distribution rights of way. The company also performs additional maintenance ahead of hurricane season. Duke Energy makes every effort to notify customers in advance of vegetation management by going door to door, by sending postcards or letters, or through digital communications. Tree maintenance practices vary based on the voltage and type of line, as well as the type of tree and its proximity to the line. In some cases, the tree may need to be cut down to provide safe and reliable operation of the line. Trees located within the rights of way of high-voltage transmission lines are generally removed instead of pruned. 'We understand that customers often have concerns when trees are trimmed or removed in their neighborhoods,' Seixas said. 'We follow industry standards and federal requirements to protect the health of the trees during trimming while also ensuring the integrity of power lines to continue providing the safe, reliable service we all depend on.' It is important to remember that customers, property owners and untrained contractors should not prune or cut trees and plants near power lines. In addition, when planting trees near power lines, be sure to select a low-growing variety to minimize impact to the lines. Also, contact Sunshine 811 before digging to locate any underground utilities, which are often located in utility easements. For more information about planning and planting vegetation around electrical facilities, please visit Duke Energy's Right Tree Right Place website. Duke Energy Florida Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,500 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida. Media contact: Laitin SterlingMedia line: 800.559.3853 View original content here. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Duke Energy Corporation
Associated Press
22-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Duke Energy Foundation Fights Food Insecurity in Florida With $125,000 in Donations
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., April 22, 2025 /3BL/ - The Duke Energy Foundation announced $125,000 in grant funding to nonprofit organizations that help get food on the table for those in need. These contributions add to last fall's $100,000 donation to Feeding Florida in response to hurricanes Helene and Milton. 'Duke Energy Florida is proud to support local nonprofits dedicated to providing food and fighting hunger on behalf of Floridians during difficult times,' said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. 'Together, with these organizations, we can decrease the number of families in our community that are experiencing hunger.' The Duke Energy Foundation supports individuals and families having access to healthy meals as a critical measure to support the success of the communities the company serves. Grants have been awarded to the organizations below that provide necessary food and nutrition to people of all ages, from children to seniors: 'Both our Meals on Wheels and Emergency Meals on Wheels programs are a critical lifeline to vulnerable seniors in our community,' said Marsha Lorenz, president of Seniors First. 'The support of the Duke Energy Foundation will allow us to continue providing healthy meals and well-being checks to allow underserved older adults to age with dignity and independence.' Duke Energy Foundation Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders. Duke Energy Florida Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida. Duke Energy Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage. More information is available at and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition. Contact: Ana Gibbs24-Hour: 800.559.3853Email: [email protected]: @DE_AnaGibbs View original content here. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Duke Energy Corporation
Associated Press
10-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Duke Energy Florida and Its Foundation Continue Their Commitment to Affordable Housing With $75,000 in Donations to Habitat for Humanity
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. April 10, 2025 /3BL/ - Duke Energy Florida and its foundation announce $75,000 in grant funding to several Habitat for Humanity organizations in Florida. This brings the five-year total investment in affordable housing initiatives in the state to more than $200,000. 'Habitat for Humanity builds homes, communities and hope,' said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. 'Supporting nonprofit organizations like Habit for Humanity allows the company to improve the vitality of the communities we serve while making a lasting difference in the lives of individual customers.' To advance home affordability in the state, Duke Energy Foundation has provided the following grants to directly support new homes and workforce training: Additionally, Duke Energy has provided $20,000 to support these nonprofit organizations' operations this year. 'We appreciate the support from companies that recognize the significance of affordable homeownership and the need to assist hard-working families within our communities,' stated Mike Sutton, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside. 'Both Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside and Duke Energy Florida are committed to a shared vision of constructing safe, affordable and energy-efficient homes that advance our communities.' In addition to foundation grants, employees will be building homes during volunteer events in west Orange and Citrus counties later this year. Through this volunteer effort, teams will contribute not only time and labor, but also a sense of community and hope, reinforcing our long-standing partnership with Habitat for Humanity to leave a lasting impact. Working together to support neighbors and customers through Habitat for Humanity is a longstanding tradition across Duke Energy. Since 2020, Duke Energy Florida and its foundation have contributed over $200,000 in the state. These funds are part of $1 million in donations and over 10,000 volunteer hours to Habitat for Humanity across all jurisdictions. To learn more about Habitat for Humanity's work through its 49 affiliate organizations across Florida, or to find the local Habitat for Humanity in your community, please visit here. Duke Energy FoundationDuke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders. About Duke Energy FloridaDuke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida. Duke Energy Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage.
Associated Press
02-04-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
New Duke Energy Programs Offer Florida Customers More Choices Related to Electric Vehicles
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., April 2, 2025 /3BL/ - Duke Energy Florida announced the launch of three new programs – the Charger Prep Credit, Off-Peak Charging Credit and Fleet Advisory programs – to offer both residential and business customers more choices related to electric vehicles (EVs). 'Not only do EVs help save on fuel and maintenance costs for drivers, but they have significant economic and environmental benefits as well,' said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. 'Our goal with these programs and the various incentives they offer is to make EVs more accessible for all of our customers, helping meet their individual needs, while contributing to the ongoing energy transition.' Charger Prep Credit Program (Residential and Business Customers) Through the Charger Prep Credit program, both residential and business customers can receive a one-time credit to defray the cost of installing EV charging infrastructure, including new electric plug-in outlets, electrical wiring improvements and other electrical upgrades required to support Level 2 or higher EV chargers. However, it does not apply to the charging station hardware and software (if needed), as well as permit fees. For more information, please click here (for residential customers) or here (for business customers). Off-Peak Charging Credit Program (Residential Customers Only) The Off-Peak Charging Credit program allows residential customers to get paid for charging their EVs during times when demand for energy is typically lower. Eligible customers using a Level 2 charger can earn a $7.50 credit on their monthly electric bills for charging their EVs during these off-peak hours – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Friday and anytime on weekends and holidays. It originally began as a pilot (reaching its threshold of 3,000 active participants while maintaining a lengthy waitlist) and is now a permanent offering without an enrollment limit. For more information, please click here. Fleet Advisory Program (Business Customers Only) By participating in the Fleet Advisory program, business customers can receive up to $12,000 to offset the cost of completing a fleet electrification study to assess the benefits of switching their fleet vehicles to EVs. The goal is for businesses to learn how to reduce their carbon footprint, while also discovering how EVs can lower their operating costs and improve overall efficiency. To qualify, a customer's fleet must include 20 or more light-duty vehicles, five or more medium/heavy-duty vehicles, or a combination of 10 or more light-duty and/or medium/heavy-duty vehicles. For more information, please click here. Duke Energy Florida Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida. Duke Energy Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage.
