Duke Energy invests $500K in SC HERO grants

The Duke Energy Foundation is investing $500,000 in South Carolina communities through its Helping Emergency Response Organizations grant program, aimed at strengthening weather-related emergency preparedness and response across the state.

The funding comes as South Carolina continues to recover from a year marked by severe weather, including impacts from Hurricane Helene. As extreme weather events become more frequent and intense, local governments and first responders are working to improve resiliency and readiness for future emergencies, according to a news release.

Beginning March 19, South Carolina government agencies and qualified nonprofits can apply for grants of up to $20,000. The funding can be used for training, equipment and materials that enhance preparedness for major weather events and support recovery operations. Applications will be accepted through April 25.

Eligible uses for the grants include community storm preparedness training, emergency kits, shelter support, specialized training for first responders and equipment needed for severe weather rescues.

“When severe weather impacts communities across our state, we work alongside first responders and understand the challenges they face to restore life back to normal,” Tim Pearson, Duke Energy’s South Carolina president, said in the release. “This year’s HERO grants continue to help fill gaps in storm response identified by severe weather events and help provide additional tools and training to our fellow first responders.”

Local officials say the grants have already made a measurable impact in their communities.

In Anderson County, Emergency Management Director Joshua Hawkins said funding helped deploy a traffic trailer equipped with 300 cones to volunteer fire departments during winter storms.

“This may have been a simple purchase, but it makes a big impact countywide,” Hawkins said. “We truly appreciate Duke’s partnership with all responders.”

In Sumter, Public Works Director Richard Pring said a Salt Dogg spreader purchased through the program allowed crews to double their treatment capacity during a February winter storm, helping manage more than three inches of snowfall.

Meanwhile, Oconee County Emergency Services Coordinator V. Aaron Smith said grant funding enabled the addition of a second shelter trailer, allowing officials to open two shelters simultaneously, including one equipped for residents with special medical needs.

The HERO program is now in its fifth year, bringing Duke Energy Foundation’s total investment in the initiative to $2.5 million. Since 2022, the program has funded 137 microgrants across South Carolina.

Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy serves 8.6 million electric customers across six states, including South Carolina.