Duke Energy's New Save-A-Watt Program Called 'Promising'

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Michael Shore, 828-582-3141, mshore@environmentaldefense.org

(Raleigh, NC - May 7, 2007) - Duke Energy has filed an application with the NC Utilities Commission that would allow it to implement a “save-a watt” program that would provide incentives for both the utility company and ratepayers to save electricity. The following statement may be attributed to Michael Shore, senior air policy analyst with the NC office of Environmental Defense.

“Under today’s rules, it does not make good business sense for North Carolina utilities to invest in energy efficiency. The save-a-watt program would provide incentives to save electricity, and that’s promising.”

“Duke Energy proposes to change the rules so that the company gets a good return on its investment in efficiency programs, which will enable North Carolina to take advantage of the state’s tremendous energy efficiency potential. At the same time, the program must be fair to rate payers. Duke Energy’s proposal should be scrutinized carefully to ensure it finds that balance.”