A Durham woman struggling to keep up with her electric bill received an unexpected gift after her story aired on WRAL News.
Last month, 5 On Your Side introduced viewers to Sophia Blake, who lives on a fixed income and had fallen behind on her Duke Energy payments. After missed payments and mounting fees, her balance grew to more than $800. Working with Duke Energy, 5 On Your Side helped Blake enroll in a new payment plan that cut her debt roughly in half. But when the story aired, she still owed about $375.
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Shortly after the report aired, a WRAL viewer emailed 5 On Your Side with an offer: she wanted to pay off the remaining balance. The woman, who asked not to be identified, said she was moved by Blake’s story and understood the challenges of managing rising utility costs.
“Everybody needs help,” she said. “These are some rough times right now. People are struggling, and I’m just trying to pay it forward.”
After receiving the donation, 5 On Your Side surprised Blake with an unannounced visit and a check for the remaining amount owed on her account. When she learned her debt would be fully paid, Blake became emotional.
“Oh, you’re going to make me cry,” she said.
Blake said the financial relief means more than just eliminating a bill. “Thank you so much for all your help and your kindness,” she said. “I feel so comfortable with you. I feel like we are friends.”
The anonymous donor said she recognized herself in Blake’s situation and wanted to make sure someone helped. Blake also expressed gratitude to the woman who stepped forward.
“May He return a hundredfold back onto you,” she said. “This has touched my heart. Truly.”
The act of kindness comes as many North Carolinians continue to grapple with rising energy costs. Nationally, electricity prices have increased about 17% over the past year. In North Carolina, the average residential electric bill has risen roughly 22% since 2020, and customers could face additional increases if pending rate requests are approved.
Resources to help
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
This is a main federally funded heating assistance program in North Carolina. It provides a one-time payment directly to the utility company to help eligible households with heating bills. (NC DHHS)
Key details:
Available from Jan. 1 – March 31
Households including a person aged 60 or older or disabled persons receiving services through the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services are eligible to sign up for assistance from Dec. 1 – 31.
Available through local Departments of Social Services
Priority households (seniors/disabled) apply first
Income-based eligibility
Money goes directly to the utility provider
Apply here: NC Energy Assistance Application (ePASS)
Program info: NCDHHS LIEAP Information
Crisis Intervention Program (CIP)
This is emergency utility help for people facing shutoff notices, no heat, no AC during dangerous weather, or other energy emergencies. It can help with both heating and cooling crises. (NC DHHS)
Important details:
Runs year-round until funding runs out
Disconnect notice may not always be required
Designed for urgent situations
Payments go directly to utility companies
More info: NCDHHS Crisis Intervention Program
Duke Energy Programs
For customers of Duke Energy in North Carolina:
Customer Assistance Program (CAP)
If someone qualifies for LIEAP or CIP, they may automatically qualify for a monthly Duke Energy credit of up to about $42/month for a year. (Duke Energy)
Up to 12 billing cycles vs months for a year
The program connects LIHEAP customers with additional energy efficiency and weatherization resources
More info: Duke Energy Customer Assistance Program
Duke Energy Special Assistance
Duke also offers:
Payment plans
Extensions
Medical alerts
Budget billing
Community agency referrals (Duke Energy)
More info: Duke Energy Bill Assistance Resources
Free Home Energy Improvements
Weatherization Assistance Program
This is one of the most underused resources.
It can provide:
Insulation
HVAC repair/replacement
Air sealing
Efficiency upgrades
Safety improvements
For qualifying households, these upgrades are often FREE. (NC Department of Environmental Quality)
More info: NC Weatherization Assistance Program
Community & Emergency Help
NC 211
This is one of the best quick resources because operators can connect people to:
Local nonprofits
Church assistance
Salvation Army
Utility grants
Emergency crisis funds
County-specific help
Call: 211 NC 211
Other places to check
Local Department of Social Services
Salvation Army
Catholic Charities
Community Action Agencies
County emergency assistance funds
Local EMC/member co-op hardship funds
Best practices when looking for assistance
Apply EARLY because funds run out
Ask about BOTH LIEAP and CIP
Even renters may qualify
Seniors and residents with disabilities often get priority
Weatherization programs can permanently lower bills
Don’t ignore shutoff notices, crisis help may still be available
If denied, ask whether another household member’s income documentation is needed or if additional programs are available
