Duke Energy Corporation - DUK STOCK NEWS

Duke Energy, at its annual shareholder meeting on May 6, 2021, highlighted its significant progress in clean energy initiatives and customer satisfaction. The company achieved over 40% carbon reduction from 2005 levels and aims for a 50% reduction by 2030, with a net-zero goal set for 2050. Notable accomplishments include over 700 MW of new solar and wind projects and a $450 million mitigation plan amid the pandemic. Duke Energy also reported continued dividend payments for 95 consecutive years and established key partnerships for further investments, reinforcing its commitment to clean energy and customer service.

Duke Energy has been named a Tree Line USA utility by the Arbor Day Foundation for the 15th consecutive year, recognizing its effective tree care practices in Florida. This status reflects Duke Energy's commitment to safe and reliable electric service while promoting healthy trees. The company achieved this by adhering to industry standards, providing training, and engaging in community education programs. Additionally, Duke Energy offered over 1,100 free trees through its Energy-Saving Trees program, benefiting customers while helping conserve energy.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) aims to enhance its renewable energy production significantly by 2030, targeting a tripling of output from renewable sources. Currently, 7% of its electricity comes from renewables, expected to grow to 23%. The company plans at least a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and aims for net-zero by 2050. Furthermore, Duke Energy is retiring coal plants, with 52 retired since 2010, and is investing in renewable projects across several states. The firm reported a 40% drop in CO2 output since 2005, while its electricity rates remain below the national average.

Duke Energy has completed the installation of nearly 2 million smart meters in Florida, enhancing customer service and energy management. This multiyear effort aims to provide customers with improved access to their electricity usage data, enabling quicker outage responses and personalized billing options. The smart meters will allow customers to track their energy consumption and receive alerts, ultimately helping them make informed decisions about their energy usage. This initiative is part of Duke Energy's strategy to create a smarter energy future and better meet the evolving needs of its 1.9 million Florida customers.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) has launched Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions, a new brand consolidating its renewable energy products and services. This initiative aims to provide tailored clean energy and resilient infrastructure solutions to businesses, government organizations, and educational institutions across the U.S. The brand positions itself as a strategic partner in achieving sustainability and resiliency goals, leveraging Duke Energy's extensive industry expertise. The company targets a 50% carbon reduction by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050, supporting over 1,000 projects with more than 5,100 megawatts of nonregulated renewable energy.

Duke Energy has allocated over $1 million in grants to 51 organizations in North Carolina to help mitigate pandemic-related learning losses among students. This initiative aims to support vulnerable communities through summer learning, tutoring, and supplemental educational opportunities. Notable recipients include Durham Public Schools, which received $25,000 for outdoor learning programs. This grant is part of Duke Energy's broader commitment, which saw the foundation contribute more than $30 million annually, funded by shareholder dollars.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) will host its annual shareholders meeting online on May 6, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. ET. Chair and CEO Lynn Good will discuss the company's 2020 performance and future strategy. Shareholders can participate, vote on proposals, and ask questions during the meeting. Access details are provided in Duke Energy's proxy statement. The company serves 7.9 million electric customers and is committed to a clean energy strategy, targeting at least a 50% carbon reduction by 2030, and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Duke Energy has responded to the North Carolina Utilities Commission's (NCUC) order regarding its 2019 rate adjustment request. The company emphasized its commitment to customer support during the pandemic, including suspending disconnections and providing over $20 million in charitable contributions. The NCUC approved several settlements aimed at reducing coal ash management costs and improving the energy grid to allow for more renewables. Significant contributions of $6 million and $5 million over two years will support energy-saving measures and assistance for low-income customers.