Duke Energy Corporation - DUK STOCK NEWS

Piedmont Natural Gas has launched the GreenEdge program, enabling customers in North Carolina to purchase environmental attribute blocks to offset natural gas usage, starting at $3 per month. Each block corresponds to 12.5 therms of natural gas and represents 25% of average household usage. Customers can buy an unlimited number of blocks and will receive annual reports on their contributions. This self-funding initiative was approved by the North Carolina Utilities Commission in March 2022, aligning with Piedmont's focus on clean energy transformation.

The Duke Energy Foundation has awarded over $330,000 in grants to 16 organizations in Indiana to enhance workforce development and educational programs statewide. Key recipients include The Arc of Indiana Foundation, which supports vocational training for individuals with disabilities, and several career centers that will boost skills training in logistics, welding, and technology. Duke Energy aims to address workforce needs and improve local economies, ultimately benefiting the communities they serve. This initiative reflects their commitment to creating a skilled workforce aligned with Indiana's labor market demands.

Duke Energy One and L3Harris Technologies have unveiled a new service providing customized 3D simulations for nuclear facilities. This service aims to address operational challenges while improving efficiency and reducing costs. The immersive simulations utilize ultramodern 3D laser scanning technology to create tailored models, enhancing safety and response preparedness. The comprehensive solution includes decision-making tools, aiding nuclear operators in planning and mitigating radiation risks. This collaboration highlights the importance of nuclear energy for a clean energy future.

Duke Energy Indiana announces over $225,000 in financial assistance for customers struggling with energy bills. Qualifying individuals can receive up to $300 annually. This initiative has already supported around 450 households with more than $100,000 in aid this year. As rising fuel costs affect electricity prices, Duke Energy aims to help mitigate financial burdens through its Share the Light Fund, in partnership with the Indiana Community Action Association. The company is committed to supporting customers amidst escalating living costs.

Duke Energy has announced over $500,000 in microgrants to support emergency preparedness and resiliency efforts in South Carolina as hurricane season begins. The grants, up to $20,000 each, will be distributed among 34 nonprofits and government agencies to fund training, essential equipment, and new technology. This initiative, introduced earlier this year, aims to enhance the ability of local organizations to manage severe weather impacts. Duke Energy's commitment emphasizes the importance of local-level preparedness in facing significant storms.

Piedmont Natural Gas has opened its 13th CNG fueling station in Wilmington, North Carolina, enhancing its network of publicly accessible CNG stations. The facility supports CNG-powered vehicles on key coastal highways, featuring four fast-fill fuel pumps and 24/7 accessibility. It aims to support fleet sustainability goals, providing a cost-effective and lower-emission fuel option. CNG, being 90% cleaner than gasoline and diesel, contributes to environmental goals while offering lower prices due to the domestic abundance of natural gas.

Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions has partnered with Brigham Young University-Hawaii to complete a renewable energy system, including rooftop solar, solar carports, and battery storage, capable of generating 6.37 megawatt-hours annually. This project will satisfy approximately 39% of the university's energy needs, potentially saving over $20 million in utility costs over its lifespan. The initiative aligns with Duke Energy's commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, financing the project through a 20-year power purchase agreement.

Duke Energy urges customers to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, 2022. The NOAA forecasts an active season with 14 to 21 named storms, including 6 to 10 hurricanes, emphasizing the importance of readiness. The company has made grid improvements and developed a comprehensive storm response plan to reduce outages and ensure faster restoration of service. Duke Energy also encourages customers to create emergency plans and provides resources for storm preparation and outage reporting.

Duke Energy Florida has launched its first utility-scale solar power plant in Bay County, known as Sandy Creek. This 74.9 MW facility, built on 625 acres, can power approximately 23,000 homes at peak production. The project is part of Duke Energy's goal to provide 700 MW of clean energy through 10 solar facilities by the end of 2022. With a total investment exceeding $2 billion, the company aims to deliver around 1,500 MW of emission-free generation from 25 solar plants by 2024, contributing to Florida's renewable energy transition.