Duke Energy has announced it received a grant of up to $61.8 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to support reliability enhancement and refurbishment projects at coal-fired power plants in Kentucky and North Carolina.

The company disclosed that the East Bend Station in Kentucky is eligible for up to $33.4 million of this funding, while Units 2 and 3 at the Roxboro Station in North Carolina can receive up to $28.4 million. Combined with a previously announced $34 million grant for the Belews Creek Steam Station in North Carolina, the total federal support for these Duke Energy projects now approaches $96 million.

Duke stated that it applied for the funding late last year, and the approved money will be used to refurbish critical equipment to maintain operational reliability at these facilities. Amy Spiller, President of Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky, commented that the company seizes every opportunity to lower costs for customers while continuing to deliver the reliable energy they depend on.

Kendal Bowman, President of Duke Energy North Carolina, noted that this grant will support already-planned critical upgrades to ensure customers in the state continue to receive stable and reliable electricity.

Analysts point out that against a backdrop of growing energy demand, maintaining and upgrading existing power plants is one of the most effective ways for Duke Energy to ensure service reliability. The Energy Department's funding helps offset the costs of these projects, reducing the financial burden on customers.

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Duke Energy is one of the largest energy holding companies in the United States. The company serves 8.7 million electric customers across North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, with a total generating capacity of 55,700 megawatts.