CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy (NYSE: [ DUK ]) has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for North America for the seventh consecutive year.

(Logo: [ http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20040414/DUKEENERGYLOGO ] )

In the electricity sector, 33 utilities from North America were evaluated for consideration. Nine were selected. Duke Energy was considered in combination with Progress Energy. The two companies merged in July 2012.

"Sustainability pushes us to find the right balance among the needs of people, the planet and profits," said Lee Mazzocchi, senior vice president and chief integration and innovation officer. "The recent merger of Duke Energy and Progress Energy provides us with even more opportunities to integrate sustainable practices into our daily operations."

"Recognition by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index demonstrates our dedication to conducting business in a sustainable way," said Shawn Heath, Duke Energy's chief sustainability officer. "This will help us be successful today and in the future."

Launched in 1999, the DJSI tracks the financial performance of leading sustainability-driven companies worldwide.

In selecting the top performers in each business sector, DJSI reviews companies on several general and industry-specific topics related to economic, environmental and social dimensions.

Among them: Corporate governance, environmental policy, climate strategy, human capital development and labor practices.

The index is compiled annually by Dow Jones and the Zurich-based Sustainable Asset Management Group. More information is available at [ http://www.sustainability-index.com/ ].

Duke Energy publishes an annual Sustainability Report that summarizes its efforts to advance energy efficiency programs, develop renewable energy, reduce emissions and landfill waste, and more.

The 2011-2012 report, entitled "Well Positioned," is available online at: [ http://sustainabilityreport.duke-energy.com ].

Some of the highlights covered in the report include:

An additional 60 megawatts of wind and solar energy in 2011, plus plans to complete five large-scale wind farms in 2012.
Almost 28,000 tons of materials recycled -- about 64 percent of the company's U.S. solid waste.
A 1,963 gigawatt-hour reduction in customers' electricity consumption through energy efficiency programs.
A nearly 76 percent reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions and a 52 percent reduction in nitrogen oxides emissions since 2006.

Duke Energy is the largest electric power holding company in the United States with more than $100 billion in total assets. Its regulated utility operations serve approximately 7.1 million electric customers located in six states in the Southeast and Midwest. Its commercial power and international business segments own and operate diverse power generation assets in North America and Latin America, including a growing portfolio of renewable energy assets in the United States.

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:	Randy Wheeless
Phone:	704-382-8379
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SOURCE Duke Energy

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Duke Energy Named to the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index for the Seventh Consecutive Year

Duke Energy Named to the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index for the Seventh Consecutive Year