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Duke Energy Indiana Launches Carbon Offsets Program


WEBWIRE

PLAINFIELD, IND. - Duke Energy Indiana has created a program for Hoosier customers interested in offsetting the carbon dioxide produced from their everyday activities like driving, watching television or mowing the grass.

Carbon offsets are created through projects that result in a reduction of carbon in the atmosphere. Carbon offsets are purchased from a third party and can neutralize carbon produced from today’s energy-intensive lifestyles. This new program is available now to Duke Energy Indiana customers.

“As a company, Duke Energy is building more efficient coal plants, and investing in wind, solar and other renewable energy. We are also investigating new technology to capture and sequester carbon emissions,” said Jim Stanley, president of Duke Energy Indiana. “In addition, we are pursuing innovative energy efficiency programs and supporting effective and sensible federal climate change legislation. Through this new program, we hope to give our customers the opportunity to achieve their personal goals through these carbon offsets,” Stanley said.

Duke Energy Indiana customers can purchase a carbon offset for $4 per month, which represents approximately 500 pounds of carbon dioxide – the equivalent of 500 kilowatt-hours of electricity. For the typical residential customer, the purchase of two carbon offsets for $8 per month would offset their average monthly consumption of 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity.

As part of the commitment to the environment and to encourage participation in the carbon offset program, Duke Energy will match the first $4 carbon offset block purchased by each customer through 2009.

This new carbon offset program reflects Duke Energy’s carbon-reduction strategy and efforts. Indiana customers interested in reducing the carbon produced from their daily activities can enroll in the program by visiting the company’s Web site: www.Duke-Energy.com/indiana/products/carbon-offset-program.asp.

Carbon offset purchases will be reflected in a participating customer’s monthly bill. In selecting specific carbon offset projects, Duke Energy will follow strict criteria developed by the Environmental Defense Fund. A project must meet nine specific criteria, including the following key requirements:

* It must be a direct carbon emission (no renewable energy certificates)
* Quantification of emission reductions must be reliable and accurate
* Emission reductions must be serialized and tracked
* All offsets must be verified by an independent third party

Duke Energy Indiana’s operations provide 6,500 megawatts of electricity capacity to approximately 775,000 customers, making it the state’s largest electric supplier.



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