Duke Energy Carolinas shoreline Structure Renovation and Removal Program moves to the western shoreline of Lake Norman

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Duke Energy Carolinas personnel will begin inspections of piers and structures located along the western shoreline of Lake Norman in Lincoln and Catawba counties in early March. These inspections are part of its Structure Renovation/Removal Program.

The program was initiated in 1996 to survey, identify, and correct problem structures on lakes managed by Duke Energy Carolinas. Lake Norman inspections and renovations in Iredell and Mecklenburg counties are complete.

“Program results thus far show that 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 hydroelectric power generation on the lakes. That same license guides the permitting of piers, seawalls, and other activities to enhance recreational use of the lake, and requires that these structures remain in good repair and do not pose a hazard to public safety and navigation.”

Inspection crews look for signs of obvious neglect such as missing planks, inadequate flotation or structural failure. The team inspects only structures located inside the shoreline.

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 or unsafe structures and abandoned boats are not removed, steps will be taken for removal at the owner’s expense and new requests from that owner for lake use permitting activities will not be considered.

“We have completed inspections on a number of lakes in North Carolina and South Carolina on the Catawba-Wateree system,” said Hall. “Property owner cooperation thus far has been outstanding.”

Duke Energy is the largest electric power holding company in the United States with more than $97 billion in total assets. Its regulated utility operations serve approximately 7.1 million electric customers located in six states in the Southeast and Midwest. Its commercial power and international business segments own and 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 250 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at: www.duke-energy.com.