Duke Energy Corp - DUK STOCK NEWS

30 Duke Energy lineworkers have qualified to compete in the International Lineman's Rodeo after advancing from the Duke Energy Carolinas Lineman's Rodeo. The competition tests job-related skills and factors such as speed, agility, technique, and safety procedures. Duke Energy holds regional competitions in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest to qualify lineworkers for the international competition. The International Lineman's Rodeo attracts top lineworkers from around the world and has been showcasing talent for over 20 years.

Duke Energy's Green Source Advantage program has gained three significant customers: the City of Durham, Durham County Government, and Durham Public Schools, collectively purchasing nearly 35 MW from a new solar facility. Developed by Pine Gate Renewables, the project aims to power operations with 80% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% by 2050. The facility will offset approximately 50% of the city's and 75% of the county's electricity consumption with clean solar power, avoiding greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to over 61,500 acres of U.S. forests annually. Operational by late 2025, this collaboration signifies a milestone in renewable energy progress for Durham.

Duke Energy Progress has reached a partial settlement regarding customer rate increases with the North Carolina Public Staff, which aims to reduce overall requested revenue requirements and support grid improvement and clean energy initiatives. This settlement addresses several operational items, along with cost recovery of historical capital investments and depreciation for coal plant retirements. The settlement was filed with the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) before an upcoming hearing starting on May 1, where unresolved matters such as return on equity and capital structure will be discussed. Duke Energy Progress continues to actively engage with stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues in its rate request.

Duke Energy has launched North Carolina's largest battery system, an 11-MW project located at Camp Lejeune, in conjunction with a 13-MW solar facility. This dual operation not only enhances energy reliability but also optimizes the utilization of renewable resources, contributing to the company’s clean energy transition goals. Duke Energy aims for over 1,600 MW of battery storage by 2029, currently operating around 90 MW of such projects across three states. The battery technology, using lithium iron phosphate chemistry, supports the company’s target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This initiative exemplifies strategic partnerships with military installations for energy security, aligning with broader clean energy investments throughout the company.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) released its 17th annual Impact Report focused on sustainability, emphasizing affordability and reliability for customers. Investments made last year reduced fuel costs, assisting nearly 189,000 customers with over $192 million in energy aid. The company plans to invest $145 billion over the next decade, creating over 20,000 jobs and generating $250 billion in economic output. Duke aims for a 44% reduction in carbon emissions since 2005 and has set interim targets for 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2040. The company's natural gas unit is also focused on reducing emissions. Duke Energy is committed to engaging communities in the energy transition and has made strides in human capital development and environmental justice.

Duke Energy announced the appointment of Oscar Suris as Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, effective mid-May. Suris succeeds Selim Bingol, who retired in March. He will report to Louis Renjel and lead the company's communications strategies to support its clean energy transition.

Suris brings over 20 years of corporate communications experience, including roles at Edelman and Wells Fargo. He has a strong background in media relations, crisis management, and strategic counsel for Fortune 100 companies. Suris, a graduate of the University of Florida, has been recognized in PRWeek's 'Power List' multiple times.

Duke Energy aims for net-zero methane emissions by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with interim targets for significant reductions by 2030, 2035, and 2040.