Duke Energy Plans Activities to Mark 40th Anniversary of Earth Day

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Apr 16, 2010, 10:14 ET

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Duke Energy has planned a variety of events and activities to mark the 40th anniversary of Earth Day April 22.

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"We will use Earth Day as another opportunity to reiterate our intention of becoming one of the most sustainable companies in the world," CEO Jim Rogers said. "We will do this by upgrading our generation fleet with an emphasis on efficiency and environmental responsibility, and by encouraging our employees to find ways to be more efficient, energy conscious and environmentally sensitive in everything they do.

"Every job at Duke Energy is a 'green' job," he added.

"Green" Global Service Event

The momentum gathered from Earth Day will carry forward into Duke Energy's annual Global Service Event (GSE), which runs from May 1 through June 30.

Duke Energy employees have historically displayed a strong volunteer ethic to help their neighbors and community. They will be encouraged to add a little "green" to each activity. Some suggestions for Duke Energy volunteers and everyone else interested in doing their part to help the planet while doing spring projects are:

Bring reusable or large containers of water rather than individual plastic water bottles.
Recycle cans and bottles rather disposing with general trash
Encourage carpools or use of public transit to the work site
Plant drought-tolerant, native trees and shrubs
Create or expand natural areas
Check to see if some supplies may be available within other areas before you purchase more
Purchase "environmentally-friendly" supplies (e.g., low VOC emitting paints)
Make a few energy efficiency improvements (e.g., caulking, weather-stripping, or installing faucet aerators)

Last year's GSE saw more than 440 volunteer projects across the company's service territories. In addition, the Duke Energy Foundation distributed about $84,000 in volunteer grants to support many of these projects.

The GSE began in 1998 as a one-week celebration of volunteerism. Twelve years later, the signature event of the company's Volunteers In Action (VIA) program continues to be embraced by employees everywhere.

Going Paperless

Enrolling in Duke Energy Online Services to eliminate receiving paper bills by mail is one of the easiest and most impactful steps everyone can take to help the planet. This one act can save natural resources, prevent landfill waste, save water and reduce billing and postage costs. Additionally, you will be reducing your environmental footprint year after year.

A campaign will launch on Earth Day to employees and customers, with the goal of increasing Paperless Billing participation by 100,000 customers by year end. Once enrolled in Online Services, a customer can also complete a Home Energy Survey and receive a Personalized Energy Report.

Duke Energy's Community Outreach for Earth Day

Charlotte Clean and Green Event – April 17: Duke Energy will sponsor one of the educational tracks on energy conversation and provide energy efficiency resources and expertise during the city's largest Earth Day event. Sandi Huddleston-Edwards of Duke Energy's energy efficiency group will teach several classes on how to make a home more energy efficient throughout the year. The event, which combines the traditional Earth Day Festival with classes on everything from energy saving tips for the home to information on solar energy and green jobs, takes place on the campus of Central Piedmont Community College from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

Duke Energy's Earth Day Activities for Employees -- April 22: Duke Energy will also hold a special event for employees. An Earth Day Fair will be held in the Energy Center Atrium and O.J. Miller Auditorium. Brett Carter, president of Duke Energy North Carolina, will discuss sustainability, renewable energy, green power, energy efficiency and legislative focus. A variety of booths will be set up by several organizations to provide additional information on energy efficiency, alternative fuels, public transportation, air quality, sustainability, and other related topics.

Duke Energy Carolinas owns nuclear, coal-fired, natural gas and hydroelectric generation. That diverse fuel mix provides approximately 19,000 megawatts of electricity capacity to approximately 2.4 million customers in a 22,000-square-mile service area of North Carolina and South Carolina.

Duke Energy is one of the largest electric power holding companies in the United States. Its regulated utility operations serve approximately 4 million customers located in five states in the Southeast and Midwest, representing a population of approximately 11 million people. 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 500 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available on the Internet at: www.duke-energy.com. To learn more and contribute to the discussion about the energy issues of today and the possibilities of tomorrow see www.sheddingalight.org.