Duke Energy donates $1.7 million, community service to S.C. charities

Duke Energy's North Carolina headquarters
Duke Energy's North Carolina headquarters | Courtesy of Duke Energy

Duke Energy said late last week that the company donated over $1.7 million to S.C.-based nonprofit organizations throughout 2015.

The company's philanthropic efforts focused on technical college programs; science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs for schools in the state; health and safety service with the American Red Cross; and environmental education in South Carolina public schools.

Groups that received support from Duke Energy include the Children’s Museum of the Upstate, Greenwood Community Theater, the Felician Center the Governor’s School for Math and Science and Keep Oconee Beautiful, among others.

"Duke Energy's support has provided opportunities for children in our learning center to visit state parks, participate in educational nature programs, perform science experiments and even enjoy dance classes for cultural enrichment," the Felician Center's director, Sister Suzanne Dziedzic, said. "Without this support, these children would not have access to these valuable educational opportunities."

The company said approximately $25 million is granted to communities throughout its six-state service area annually through its foundation. The company also said Duke Energy's South Carolina employees provided approximately 900 hours of community service last year.

"We look forward to continuing our legacy of providing community support through charitable giving and employee volunteerism in 2016 and beyond," Clark Gillespy, Duke's South Carolina president, said.