Duke Increases Quarterly Dividend

Duke declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock of $0.245 per share, an increase of a half-cent over the previous level. The dividend is payable on Sept. 16, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business Aug. 13, 2010.

"The dividend increase announced today is consistent with our previously stated objective to continue growing the dividend but at a slower rate than the long-term growth in our adjusted-diluted earnings per share," said James E. Rogers, chairman, president and CEO. "During this period of significant reinvestment in the business, our board has recognized the importance of delivering returns to our investors while maintaining the strength of our balance sheet."

This is the 84th consecutive year that Duke Energy has paid a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock.