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Launch of GoGreen provides Duke Energy's Ohio customers a new choice

COLUMBUS, Ohio – July 16, 2007 – The launch of the GoGreen program means that Duke Energy's Ohio customers now have the ability to promote the use of electricity from renewable resources. The two-year pilot program is a cooperative effort involving the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) and Duke Energy.

"We worked hard along with Duke Energy to empower customers with the ability to promote the benefits of renewable power through this program," said Janine Migden-Ostrander, Consumers' Counsel. "Consumers are encouraged to participate in this effort to enhance the market for producing green power from wind, solar and other renewable sources. This is a simple, but important, way to help produce a bright energy future."

Customers can sign up for the program online at www.duke-energy.com or enroll by phone by calling 1-800-423-5401.

Those who sign up for the program will pay a small premium and commit to supporting a minimum of 200 kilowatt hours (kWh) of green power each month. Customers will pay a 2.5 cent/kWh premium. For example, the typical residential customer uses 850 kWh per month but can choose to buy as little as 200 kWh through the program, which would cost $5 more per month. Consumers can choose to support a greater amount of electricity from renewable energy as well.

Through the program, Duke will purchase renewable energy credits within the region in and around Ohio. Renewable energy credits are bought and sold by many utilities and other power producers that reflect renewable power being generated. The existing credit system supports the development of new renewable facilities.

The OCC supports maintaining a portfolio of diverse renewable products which helps advance the competitive market for electricity from these sources. A more developed market will likely lower the price of renewable energy in the future.

About the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer advocate, represents the interests of 4.5 million households in proceedings before state and federal regulators and in the courts. The state agency also educates consumers about electric, natural gas, telephone and water issues and resolves complaints from individuals. To receive utility information, brochures, schedule a presentation or file a utility complaint, residential consumers may call 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622) toll free in Ohio or visit the OCC website at www.pickocc.org.