Durham woman’s electric bill paid off after 5 On Your Side viewer steps in

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.

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.

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

Local Department of Social Services

Salvation Army

Catholic Charities

Community Action Agencies

County emergency assistance funds

Local EMC/member co-op hardship funds

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