Duke Energy Corp - DUK STOCK NEWS

Duke Energy has committed $300,000 over three years to support internships for college students of color, aiming to enhance career opportunities in energy, law, and politics. The funds will be allocated to four organizations that will distribute scholarships: the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, North Carolina Central University School of Law, and the South Carolina Washington Semester Program. This initiative reflects Duke Energy's commitment to diversity and equity within the workforce, benefiting both students and the communities they serve.

Duke Energy's subsidiary, Progress Energy, announced a final payment of approximately $1.03 per Contingent Value Obligation (CVO) to its holders, marking the end of payments related to CVOs. The payment will be distributed by the trustee on April 19, 2021, to holders of record as of March 29, 2021. Furthermore, about 70.04% of this payment is classified as interest income, prompting CVO holders to consult tax advisors regarding potential tax implications. For more details, refer to Duke's Form 8-K filed with the SEC on the same day.

Piedmont Natural Gas has filed a request with the North Carolina Utilities Commission to recover approximately $1.7 billion for expansion, infrastructure improvements, and federally mandated safety upgrades, leading to a 10.4% revenue increase. If approved, starting November 2021, average residential bills may rise by $8/month. Piedmont has added over 42,000 customers since January 2018. Capital investments include new natural gas storage facilities to mitigate price volatility during high demand periods.

The Public Service Commission of South Carolina (PSCSC) will hold a virtual public hearing on April 21, 2021, regarding Duke Energy Carolinas (DEC) and Duke Energy Progress (DEP)'s proposed Solar Choice net metering riders. This plan aims to provide stability for the residential solar industry in South Carolina and credits customers for excess electricity generated. The initiative supports the South Carolina Energy Freedom Act, promoting solar energy development in the state. Interested parties must notify the PSCSC to testify by April 20, 2021.

Duke Energy Foundation has awarded $311,246 in grants to support 22 K-12 education programs across 15 counties in Indiana for 2021. The funding aims to enhance literacy, energy, engineering, and environmental education, particularly for under-represented and low-income students. This initiative is part of the company's Powerful Communities program, established to bolster community vitality through charitable contributions. The Foundation contributes over $2 million annually, funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars.

Duke Energy Renewables has launched its largest windpower project, the 350-MW Frontier Windpower II, in Kay County, Oklahoma. This project expands upon the previously operational 200-MW Frontier I, generating a total of 550 MW of wind energy to power approximately 193,000 homes. Notable customers AT&T and Ball Corporation have secured 15-year virtual power purchase agreements for a combined 321 MW. The project also supports Duke's aim to double its renewable portfolio from 8 GW to 16 GW by 2025, boosting local job creation and tax revenue.

Piedmont Natural Gas has proposed a new green energy program aimed at helping North Carolina residential and small business customers reduce their carbon footprints. The program, pending approval from the North Carolina Utilities Commission, will allow customers to purchase 'green' blocks for $3 each per month, with four blocks offsetting the average household's carbon footprint. This initiative aligns with Piedmont's commitment to achieve net-zero methane emissions by 2030 and supports renewable natural gas projects. If approved, the program is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2022.

Duke Energy Florida has announced two new solar power plants, the Fort Green and Bay Trail facilities, each with a capacity of 74.9 MW. These developments are part of a strategy to enhance its renewable energy portfolio, which now exceeds 900 MW under construction or operation. The Fort Green plant will power over 20,000 homes, while the Bay Trail site will serve about 23,000 homes, using innovative solar technologies. The company aims to complete its three-millionth solar panel installation in Florida, highlighting its commitment to clean energy.

Six major utilities, including Duke Energy (DUK), have formed the Electric Highway Coalition to enhance electric vehicle (EV) charging access across the South, Midwest, Gulf, and Central Plains regions. This initiative aims to install a network of DC fast chargers to alleviate range anxiety for EV drivers, facilitating long-distance travel. Duke Energy is also launching internal programs to expand charging infrastructure, including a $25 million pilot in North Carolina for 200 charging stations and an expansion in Florida with over 570 stations already deployed.