Duke Energy Foundation and the Tampa Bay Rays have announced an $82,000 donation to support Florida customers struggling to pay their energy bills. The contribution was based on a pledge of $1,000 for each Tampa Bay Rays win during the 2025 regular season, with funds going to the Share the Light Fund. This program works with community agencies to provide utility bill assistance.
Grants were presented to 14 agencies at the Rays’ final home game of the season. Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, stated: “While rates will decrease for Duke Energy Florida customers in March 2026, we understand many are still facing financial challenges and may have difficulty paying their bills. We remain committed to our customers and providing them with above-and-beyond service, so we appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with the Tampa Bay Rays, once again, to help connect them to the individualized support they need, when they need it most.”
The Share the Light Fund is designed to assist income-restricted Duke Energy customers in paying for electricity and other utilities. In addition to donations made through this partnership, Duke Energy Foundation matches contributions up to $500,000 annually.
Brian Auld, President of the Tampa Bay Rays, said: “The Tampa Bay Rays, like Duke Energy, prioritize contributions that support our community’s needs. We are proud to continue this meaningful partnership and help Tampa Bay area residents – and all Floridians – manage their energy costs and power their lives.”
All funds received by Share the Light are distributed directly to social service organizations such as United Way and Tampa Bay 2-1-1 for customer assistance. So far in 2025, more than $491,000 has been distributed through this fund.
Customers seeking assistance can find more information at duke-energy.com/ShareTheLight.
The Duke Energy Foundation provides over $30 million annually in philanthropic support across its service areas. The foundation is funded by shareholders of Duke Energy. The company serves electric utility customers across several states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky.
Duke Energy Florida supplies electricity across a 13,000-square-mile area in Florida for about 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers.
The Tampa Bay Rays organization has been active in Major League Baseball since 1998 and focuses on supporting community initiatives through charitable work.
Media contacts for further information include Ana Gibbs at Duke Energy (800.559.3853) and De Anna Sheffield Ward at Tampa Bay Rays (DWard@RaysBaseball.com).
