CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a statement by Duke Energy President and CEO Lynn Good about the delay in reaching agreement on coal ash legislation in North Carolina.

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"Duke Energy's top priority is the safe operation of our electric system and the well-being of the communities and customers we serve. We remain committed to doing the right thing on coal ash with storage solutions that protect the environment, including groundwater.

"Our goal is to lead with a proactive, fact-based and scientific approach to this work, and we continue to advance the comprehensive plan we proposed last March. The work we're doing now allows us to continue down the path toward permanent closure of our ash basins in North Carolina.

"We will continue to work constructively with regulators and lawmakers to advance an enhanced plan for the long-term management of coal ash in North Carolina. We will also adjust our coal ash management plans according to upcoming federal rules on ash, which are expected in December."

Duke Energy is the largest electric power holding company in the United States with approximately $115 billion in total assets. Its regulated utility operations serve approximately 7.2 million electric customers located in six states in the Southeast and Midwest. Its commercial power and international energy 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: Tom Williams
Office: 980.373.4743 | 24-Hour: 800.559.3853

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SOURCE Duke Energy