Duke Energy's economic development team honored by Site Selection Magazine

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The September edition of Site Selection Magazine has named Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) to its annual list of Top Utilities in Economic Development for 2013.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130322/CL81938LOGO )

The magazine credits Duke Energy's economic development team and its successful collaboration with state and local partners for delivering more than $3.6 billion in capital investments and over 13,000 new jobs in during 2012. 

Site Selection Magazine is a national trade publication read by corporate executives and site consultants who are responsible for choosing industry location.

Duke Energy's approach to economic development is unique in the utility industry.

"Our merger with Progress Energy in 2012 created the largest investor-owned electric utility in the US. We have been very aggressive in forming an enterprisewide strategy around economic development with specific focus on site readiness and proactive business development," said Stu Heishman, Duke Energy's vice president of economic and business development.

Duke Energy's economic development team forges strategic relationships with key site selection consultants and targeted industries nationally and globally. This work has become even more important in light of the weak economy and increasing competition among regions to attract business growth.

"Our team is committed to the mission of adding capital investments and jobs in the communities across our six-state service area," said Heishman.

Two of the major components of successful industrial recruitment are competitive electric rates and outstanding customer service. Duke Energy provides dependable, affordable energy to the industries, businesses and residential customers it serves.

Site Selection Magazine named Duke Energy to its list of top utilities using the following criteria: analysis of corporate end-user project activity in 2012 in the company's territory; website tools and data; survey input from site location decision-makers; innovative programs and incentives for business, including energy efficiency and renewable energy programs; and the utility's own job-creating infrastructure and facility investment trends.

To read the full article goes to http://www.siteselection.com/issues/2013/sep/top-utilities.cfm.

For more information on Duke Energy's Economic Development program please go to www.duke-energy.com.

Duke Energy 
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 250 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at: www.duke-energy.com. 

Contact: Lisa Parrish
Office: 980-373-2878 | 24-Hour: 800-559-3853

SOURCE Duke Energy