Duke Energy Foundation and the Tampa Bay Rays have announced a joint donation of $82,000 to help Florida residents pay their energy bills. The initiative involved Duke Energy Foundation contributing $1,000 for every Tampa Bay Rays win during the 2025 regular season to the Share the Light Fund. This fund provides utility bill assistance through community agencies.
Grants were presented to 14 agencies at the Rays’ final home game of the season. Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, said, “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 with expenses such as electric, natural gas, oil or wood. Each year, donations made through partnerships like this one are matched by Duke Energy Foundation up to $500,000.
Brian Auld, President of the Tampa Bay Rays stated: “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 Fund go directly to social service agencies including United Way and Tampa Bay 2-1-1 for distribution among those in need. In 2025 alone so far, more than $491,000 has been distributed through this program.
Customers seeking financial assistance can find resources at duke-energy.com/ShareTheLight.
Duke Energy Foundation gives over $30 million annually in philanthropic support across communities served by Duke Energy customers. The foundation is funded by shareholders.
Duke Energy serves approximately 8.6 million electric utility customers across several states including North Carolina and Florida. Its subsidiary Duke Energy Florida supplies electricity across a wide area in Florida.
The Tampa Bay Rays organization has focused on community engagement since joining Major League Baseball in 1998.
