Taking a look back on 2022

"My oldest daughter and I were talking the other day about giving money versus giving time. She said that she enjoys giving her time because of her experiences supporting volunteer activities with me through Oconee Nuclear Station. We have volunteered with various activities and she told me the time she spent volunteering were some of her fondest memories. She is looking forward to helping with more events this year. These are great events, and I just want to say thank you!" -- Beth Cobb, Oconee Nuclear Station

The note Beth shared about her daughter's experiences volunteering through Oconee Nuclear Station is a prime example of what it means to live in the community where you work. People in nuclear generation at Duke Energy don't just go to work and then home – they have kids' sporting events, grocery shopping, walking their dog, you get the point. But the importance of giving back to these communities – their communities – isn't lost on them. They continue to give back to make their communities better by supporting local organizations and helping their neighbors understand the importance and safety of nuclear energy.

So, what are some things we did in 2022?

More than 4,500 employees spread across our six plant sites (Brunswick, Catawba, Harris, McGuire, Oconee and Robinson) and our nuclear corporate office:

volunteered almost 9,000 hours in their local community,

contributed more than $1.5 million* to local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations through the Power of Giving, Duke Energy's annual community involvement celebration,

donated thousands of items, such as food, diapers, toys, school supplies and books for local organizations,

and supported families through community-sponsored programs, like Angel Tree, Toys for Tots and Toys for Happiness.

Employees engaged with more than 16,000 community members in 2022 during offsite events and at our three energy education centers, including:

The Charlotte Symphony's 20th performance at McGuire Nuclear Station where spectators could enjoy the music from the lawn or lake,

the 10th Festival of Trees at the World of Energy where visitors viewed and voted for their favorite tree decorated by 25 local organizations (a total of $10,000 was awarded by Oconee Nuclear Station to the top five vote-getters),

presentations to both adults and children focused on science, technology, the environment and nuclear education,

and Scouting activities such as merit badge and Cub Scout opportunities.

All while providing power to more than eight million homes in the Carolinas and avoiding the release of approximately 38 million tons of CO₂.

Want to learn more about our outreach activities or take part in events offered at our education centers? Follow Duke Energy Nuclear Education on Facebook and Twitter for the most up-to-date information and activities happening in your area.

*$1.5 million contribution reflects employee donations + the Duke Energy Foundation match.