Duke Energy Indiana customers who may be struggling to pay their energy bills can apply now for up to $300 in assistance.

The Plainfield-based company recently announced it has dedicated an additional $100,000 through its Share the Light Fund to help individuals and families in need.

Duke Energy works with the Indiana Community Action Association to distribute funds to qualifying customers to help pay energy bills, deposits and reconnection/connection charges. Individuals should contact their local community action agency to see if they are eligible. Visit incap.org/energy-assistance to find your local offices.

Over the last five years, Duke Energy, its employees and its customers have provided more than $3 million in bill assistance through the Share the Light Fund, which has helped support more than 10,000 Indiana households.

Duke Energy has more than a dozen energy assistance and bill-lowering tools, including:

• Usage alerts that send customers a notification of how much electricity they are using and its cost so they can make adjustments before their billing period ends
• Free home energy house calls, where energy professionals assess a home for efficiency and provide homeowners with a toolkit of energy saving devices
• Budget billing, which helps ease the impact of higher seasonal bills by leveling out monthly payments
• Interest-free payment plans for customers needing flexibility

Information: duke-energy.com/HereToHelp.