A Baker's Dozen: Duke Energy Economic Development Honored by Site Selection Magazine
CHARLOTTE, N.C., September 26, 2017 /3BL Media/ -- For the 13th consecutive year, Duke Energy has been named to Site Selection magazine's annual list of "Top Utilities in Economic Development."
In the magazine's September edition, it credits Duke Energy's economic development team and its successful collaboration with state and local partners for delivering more than $4 billion in capital investments and more than 14,000 new jobs in 2016. Duke Energy has been featured on the list every year since 2005.
This year, the magazine also recognizes the efforts of Duke Energy and other utilities to build smarter energy infrastructure and the beneficial impacts it has on job recruitment and retention.
"We are investing $25 billion over the next 10 years to create a smarter, more modern grid that delivers the services our customers expect," said Stu Heishman, Duke Energy's vice president of economic development and business recruitment. "Today, the grid stands as a one-way road. In the future, it must become a multilane highway, sending energy and information in both directions."
In 2016, the company's economic development team focus areas included the acquisition of Piedmont Natural Gas, which brought new service territory in the Carolinas and Tennessee; expanding the business recruitment team in key cities across the United States; and forming an electrification team to lead Duke Energy's efforts to promote wider adoption of new and emerging grid-enabled technologies, including electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Duke Energy's approach to economic development is unique in the utility industry.
"Economic development is a team sport and we are a key position player – we work with many allies in different capacities throughout the economic development process to achieve success," Heishman said. "Our team is committed to the mission of adding capital investment and jobs in the communities across our now seven-state service area."
To read the full article, go to siteselection.com/issues/2017/sep/top-utilities-decision-enhancers.cfm.
For more information about Duke Energy's economic development programs, visit locationdukeenergy.com.
About Duke Energy
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is one of the largest energy holding companies in the United States. Its Electric Utilities and Infrastructure business unit serves approximately 7.5 million customers located in six states in the Southeast and Midwest. The company's Gas Utilities and Infrastructure business unit distributes natural gas to approximately 1.6 million customers in the Carolinas, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. Its Commercial Renewables business unit operates a growing renewable energy portfolio across the United States.
Duke Energy is a Fortune 125 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com.
The Duke Energy News Center serves as a multimedia resource for journalists and features news releases, helpful links, photos and videos. Hosted by Duke Energy, illumination is an online destination for stories about remarkable people, innovations, and community and environmental topics. It also offers glimpses into the past and insights into the future of energy.
Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
Contact:
Ryan Mosier
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
