Duke Energy initiates demolition of retired coal units at H.F. Lee Plant

Duke Energy Press Release:

Duke Energy initiates demolition of retired coal units at H.F. Lee Plant
Sept. 4, 2013

GOLDSBORO, N.C. -
After more than a year of planning and preparation, Duke Energy will begin demolishing the retired H.F. Lee coal-fired power plant this fall.

The demolition process will last several months and will include implosion of the powerhouse and chimneys.

Duke Energy's long-term vision for sites with retired coal units such as Lee is to safely return them to ground level using a method known as decommissioning and demolition. This multi-year process involves cleaning and removing equipment, demolishing the buildings and powerhouse, and restoring the site.

"By retiring the older, less efficient coal units, we have the opportunity to modernize our generation fleet to better serve our customers," said Millie Chalk, Duke Energy district manager. "The retired units served our region reliably and affordably for many years, and the new advanced, cleaner energy source will help ensure electricity remains as dependable as ever, while reducing environmental impacts."

In the first phase, changes at the site will be less noticeable, but during the final stages of the demolition process, people may notice the removal of larger structures from the site. Neighbors can expect increased construction traffic on Old Smithfield Road in 2014. The demolition contractor may also use the rail system to move some material off site.

As it prepares to close ash basins at retired plant sites, Duke Energy is evaluating multiple, site-specific closure options to ensure high water-quality protection, while balancing the many interests of customers. The company will continue to update the community as the process advances.

Customers interested in learning more about the decommissioning project can visit http://www.duke-energy.com/coal-decommissioning.

About Duke Energy Progress

Duke Energy Progress, a subsidiary of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), provides electricity and related services to nearly 1.5 million customers in North Carolina and South Carolina. The company is headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., and serves a territory encompassing more than 34,000 square miles including the cities of Raleigh, Wilmington and Asheville in North Carolina and Florence and Sumter in South Carolina. More information is available at www.progress-energy.com.

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: Catherine Butler
Office: 980.373.1828 | 24-Hour: 800.559.3853

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