Duke Energy Partners with Lowe's(R) to Promote Energy Saving CFLs

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Duke Energy Carolinas has partnered with Lowe's(R) to provide compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs at a 40 percent discount, the first such customer-oriented program the company has offered in the Carolinas.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040414/DUKEENERGYLOGO)

"By initiating this collaboration, we hope to help our North Carolina and South Carolina customers save money, reduce their energy consumption and have a positive impact on the environment," said Brett Carter, president, Duke Energy Carolinas.

"In the weeks ahead, Duke Energy Carolinas will be rolling out a series of energy efficiency programs to our customers," added Carter. "We recognize that many of our customers want access to programs like these so that they can play a more active role in reducing their energy usage and we are happy to help meet that need.

"Our partnership with Lowe's(R) is just one of many opportunities we will be able to offer customers so that they can reduce their energy usage and their energy bill," said Carter.

Duke Energy Carolina customers can print four 40-percent-off coupons from the company's Web site by typing in the following address in their computer's Web browser: www.duke-energy.com/CFL. Customers can simply enter their account number and requested information, print out the coupons and stop by their nearest North Carolina or South Carolina Lowe's(R) store to purchase a pack of Sylvania ENERGY STAR(R) CFL bulbs. Customers can find information on the proper installation and disposal of CFLs on the site as well.

According to ENERGY STAR(R), a CFL bulb:

    --  Is 75 percent more energy efficient than a standard bulb
    --  Lasts five to seven years, which is about 10 times longer than a
        standard incandescent bulb
    --  Saves an average of $25 - $55 in energy costs over the life of the bulb
    --  Produces about 75 percent less heat for added comfort and lower cooling
        costs

    --  Saves $65 a year when used in five of the most frequently used home
        light fixtures

"CFLs can have a very positive impact on the environment, as well," said Carter. "If all the households in North Carolina and South Carolina replaced just one incandescent bulb with a CFL, we could prevent 118 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions each year - the equivalent of removing the emissions from 10,000 cars a year from Carolina roadways."

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), one of the largest electric power companies in the United States, supplies and delivers energy to approximately 3.9 million U.S. customers. The company has approximately 36,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity in the Midwest and the Carolinas, and natural gas distribution services in Ohio and Kentucky. 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.

Duke Energy
                 CONTACT:    Andy Thompson
                 Phone:      704-382-8336
                 Media Line: 704-382-8333

                 Lowe's
                 CONTACT:    Karen Cobb
                 Phone:      704-758-3504

SOURCE Duke Energy