CHARLOTTE – Duke Energy’s structure renovation/removal program is currently being implemented on Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee. The program should be completed by the end of the year.

The program was initiated in 1996 to survey, identify and correct problem structures on lakes managed by Duke Energy.

“Program results show about five percent of the piers on Duke Energy’s lakes are in need of major repair,” said Joe Hall, director of Duke Energy’s lake services. “The license granted to Duke Energy by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission provides guidelines for hydro power generation on the lakes. The same license allows for the permitting of piers, seawalls and other activities to enhance recreational use of the lake, but it also requires that we ensure these structures remain in good repair and comply with state, local health and safety requirements.”

Duke Energy’s survey crews will look for signs of obvious neglect like missing planks, inadequate floatation or clear structural failure. All structures within the lake boundary will be surveyed and abandoned boats will also be identified. When unsafe conditions are found, owners are notified and asked to contact Duke Energy with a plan for repair or removal. If repairs are not made, structures and abandoned boats can be removed at the owner’s expense and any previous permits revoked.

Employees performing the surveys will have proper Duke Energy identification.

“We began our process in 1996 and have completed the surveys and work on lakes in North Carolina and South Carolina on the Catawba-Wateree River system,” said Hall. “Property owner cooperation has been outstanding.”

Duke Energy will also be surveying Mountain Island Lake and Lake Norman (Iredell-Mecklenburg County) in North Carolina on the Catawba-Wateree River during 2009.

Property owners with additional questions can call Lake Services at 1-800-443-5193.

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 the third largest electric power holding company in the United States, based on kilowatt-hour sales. Its regulated utility operations serve approximately 4 million customers located in five states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky -- representing a population of approximately 11 million people. Duke Energy’s commercial power and international business segments 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