Rising Costs Threaten Utility Sector’s Large Dividends

To combat rising costs, companies in the Electric Utilities Sector have been looking to mergers and acquisitions to keep profits steady and maintain their healthy dividends. Stricter environmental regulations require that any new power plants built that are large enough to produce 75,000 tons of carbon dioxide a year must use the best available control... 

Duke Energy Signs Used Fuel Contract for Proposed Lee Nuclear Station

Duke Energy has signed a contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the disposal of used nuclear fuel generated at its proposed William States Lee III Nuclear Station. The contract provides for the DOE’s acceptance and permanent disposal of all fuel from the station. For this service, the company will pay a $1 per megawatt-hour fee... 

Duke Energy Ohio Reaches Agreement on Electric Security Plan

Duke Energy Ohio announced today that a settlement agreement has been reached with most intervening parties, the Staff of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) and the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel on its electric security plan under Ohio’s new energy law. The agreement, which establishes generation rates for 2009 through 2011, must be... 

Duke Energy Finalizes Catamount Energy Acquisition

Duke Energy has finalized its acquisition of Catamount Energy Corporation, announced on June 26, 2008. “The Catamount purchase further positions Duke Energy with additional expertise, resources and a proven track record to continue our growth in the wind business,” said Wouter van Kempen, president of Duke Energy Generation Services (DEGS),... 

Duke Energy Named to Dow Jones Sustainability Index for North America

Duke Energy has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for North American companies in the electric utility sector. “We’re especially pleased to have Duke Energy’s sustainability efforts recognized by Dow Jones for the third year in a row,” said Jim Rogers, chairman, president and CEO of Duke Energy. “This... 

Duke Energy Seeks Solar Suppliers to Launch $100 Million Solar Plan

Duke Energy Carolinas is seeking bids from solar power companies to supply solar panels, electrical equipment and installation services as part of the utility’s proposed $100 million North Carolina solar plan. Starting in early 2009, Duke Energy wants to install electricity- generating photovoltaic solar panels at up to 850 North Carolina sites,... 

America Has the Ability, Talent to Meet Climate Challenge

Below are excerpts from a speech Duke Energy Chairman, President and CEO Jim Rogers gave Aug. 21 to the World Affairs Council of Charlotte. I believe it’s time for us to move toward solutions that bridge the gap from today’s technology ideas to tomorrow’s commercial solutions. During this transition, we need to use all of the fuels... 

Duke Energy and AEP Form Joint Venture to Build Transmission

Duke Energy and American Electric Power (AEP) have formed a 50-50 wholly-owned joint venture to build and operate 240 miles of extra-high-voltage 765-kilovolt (kV) transmission lines and related facilities in Indiana. The project, called Pioneer Transmission LLC, would link Duke Energy’s Greentown Station (near Kokomo, Ind.) with AEP’s Rockport... 

Duke Energy Carolinas Signs Deal to Turn Landfill Gas into Energy

Beginning in 2009, gas produced from a landfill in Durham, N.C., will be turned into power to serve customers of Duke Energy Carolinas. The company announced today that it has signed an agreement with Methane Power Inc. to purchase two megawatts of renewable energy generated from the city of Durham landfill, which was closed in the mid-1990s. “This...