Duke Energy Corporation

We go beneath the surface with Taylor Eaton to service underground lines in Cincinnati. #ThankaLineworker

"We’ll do anything to help each other out. We’re more than just coworkers.” When an Asheville Operations Center line team heard that Helene’s rising floodwaters were threatening lineworker Drew Hall’s home, they rushed into action to help salvage what they could of his family’s belongings. Once his family was safe, Drew and his colleagues rejoined the fight to restore power for western North Carolina. #ThankALineworker Read Drew's full story: http://spr.ly/60432DfJd.

Big things happening for nuclear energy! Oconee Nuclear Station, the largest station in Duke Energy’s nuclear fleet, recently received its second 20-year license renewal, enabling the station to continue generating reliable energy into the 2050s. Nuclear power plants are initially licensed for 40 years but can safely operate much longer when properly maintained. With Oconee's latest renewal, its three units will continue generating power for an additional 20 years, accommodating the growth underway in the Carolinas. Oconee is the first plant in Duke Energy’s nuclear fleet – and one of the first in the nation – to secure a subsequent license renewal, setting the stage for the company’s broader plan to renew the licenses of all 11 nuclear units in the Carolinas. Just this week, Duke Energy submitted its subsequent license renewal application for Robinson Nuclear Plant, located near Hartsville, S.C. Duke Energy’s nuclear fleet provides more than half of the electricity used by customers in the Carolinas. Oconee’s three reactors generate more than 2,500 megawatts – enough to power 1.9 million homes. Learn more: http://spr.ly/6049FFZPl.

As part of the GETSET initiative, EPRI is investing in the testing and demonstration of advanced conductors and other grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) to understand their implementation impacts on grid operations, operational cost reductions, life expectancy, and reliability for energy companies. EPRI’s Corporate VP of Transmission and Distribution Infrastructure, Andrew Phillips, hosted Brian Savoy, Duke Energy Corporation Executive VP and Chief Financial Officer as well as an EPRI board member, in our Charlotte Transmission & Distribution lab this week. They observed the short- and long-term testing and analysis of many types of advanced conductors as well an advanced power flow controller to help increase the capacity of existing transmission lines. Compared to conventional transmission equipment, advanced transmission conductors have inherent advantages of operating at higher temperatures with less sag, enabling higher electricity currents and consequently increasing transmission line capacity. EPRI’s labs evaluate new and existing designs, technologies, and assets, enabling engineers and planners to improve the way that they design and manage the energy system. During the tour, Brian also observed the testing and evaluation of a range of technologies that provide the technical basis to extend the life of existing assets, including power transformers and insulators. See more about our GET SET initiative here: https://lnkd.in/ec8DaJjS See more about EPRI labs here: https://lnkd.in/eiFFeixM

William States Lee designed 32 hydroelectric facilities and was the first to design a system for long-distance power transmission. His work, carried out over a century ago, played a significant role in transforming the Carolinas. But Lee’s impact was not just about building power plants – it was about overcoming difficult challenges. “Our company’s founders had the foresight to build power plants that would fuel the rapid industrial growth," said Preston Gillespie, executive vice president, chief generation officer and enterprise operational excellence. “Today, Duke Energy is faced with a similar challenge – transforming and modernizing our system to meet unprecedented growth and opportunity due to the renaissance of U.S. manufacturing, artificial intelligence and electrification.” Read more on Lee's legacy and how his work continues to guide Duke Energy as it meets the needs of its customers at pivotal moments: http://spr.ly/6040Fo2Xp.

On April 1, Harry Sideris succeeded Lynn Good as Duke Energy CEO following her retirement. Over his 29 years with the company, Sideris has learned every aspect of this complex business and played a key role in many pivotal moments. He now guides the team into the next chapter as the company embraces new opportunities surrounding increased energy demand. “It’s the honor of my life to lead Duke Energy as we innovate and reimagine the energy system for the decades to come.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/eespgga3.

Today I am humbled, honored and energized by the responsibility to lead Duke Energy as its next CEO. Technological advances, evolving customer needs and increased energy demand are creating opportunities that were once unimaginable. Duke Energy is entering a pivotal moment in its story. The urgency to meet growing energy demand occurring across our footprint will require focus, ingenuity, courage and passion—the same qualities that our founders embodied when they had the bold idea of powering booming textile mills more than a century ago. And our company is ready. These will continue to be our focus as we move ahead: • Operating with excellence and safety • Serving customers reliably and affordably • Collaborating with our stakeholders to meet our communities’ growing energy needs • Innovating to advance new grid and generation technologies • Providing value to our investors I have the privilege of leading a talented work force of 26,000 at Duke Energy. These folks are the best in the business, with integrity and service at the heart of what we do. I look forward to this new chapter for our company as we build a smarter energy future.

Leading Duke Energy has been the pleasure of a lifetime. As I prepare to pass the torch tomorrow, I am appreciative of the opportunity to serve this remarkable company and its customers and communities for more than 20 years. Working alongside the most talented and dedicated professionals in the industry, I've felt the support of a team working every day – with focus and determination – to deliver for our customers. I am proud of our collective achievements – leading the energy transition, exceeding customer expectations, building a culture of excellence – and the challenges we have successfully navigated. As I think about the strong position the company is in today, I’m excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Serving our communities’ evolving energy needs is a privilege, and our teammates bring a strong sense of purpose to the job. They are passionate about the work and are driven to find the best solutions. I congratulate and welcome Harry Sideris as he leads the company into this extraordinary time. I’ll be the team’s biggest champion from the sidelines.

Duke Energy Foundation recently announced a $500,000 investment supporting 19 North Carolina community college programs that are creating a pipeline of skilled workers who will help meet the energy industry's growing workforce needs. The Foundation also awarded a $100,000 grant to The Forward Fund to help students in Southeastern North Carolina attain high-wage employment opportunities. “As our state and industry continue to grow, North Carolina’s community colleges are helping us meet the moment,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “As technologies change and we modernize our energy fleet, we want talent here in the state to help us support our communities and build a smarter energy future for customers." Learn more about Duke Energy’s ongoing commitment to workforce development: http://spr.ly/6040FGo4g. Pictured top: Piedmont Community College; Pictured Bottom Row: Wake Technical Community College, Wayne Community College and Cape Fear Community College

A team of one, our corporate archivist Chris Hamrick documents the way Duke Energy has transformed, grown, and served our communities over the years and up to today. The collection in our Corporate Archives includes assets related to original technology developments and other significant milestones in the history of our products and people. Preserving our history is important because it's also part of the history of the local communities we serve. Here Chris highlights a few pieces from our collection.