Those natural gas-related assets, including more than 6,900 miles of transmission pipeline and 140 billion cubic feet of storage capacity, annually accounted for most of Canadian-based Westcoast’s earnings.

With the acquisition’s close, DEGT instituted a new senior management structure with executive representation on both sides of the U.S./Canada border.

DEGT continues to be lead by Robert (Bobby) Evans who with the acquisition of Westcoast added the title of chief executive officer to his previous role of president.

The five-member senior leadership team reporting to Evans includes:  Robert (Bob) Reid, president of DEGT’s Canadian operations; Tom O’Connor, president of DEGT’s U.S. operations; Dorothy Ables, senior vice president, finance and administration and chief financial officer, DEGT; Alan Harris, senior vice president, strategic development and planning, DEGT; and David Unruh, senior vice president and general counsel, DEGT.

Reid formerly was executive vice president and chief operating officer of Westcoast. As DEGT president, Canada, he’s responsible for the operations, regulatory and marketing areas of the company. He’s based in Vancouver, British Columbia.

O’Connor had been senior vice president, marketing and capacity management for DEGT. In his new role as DEGT president, United States, he oversees operations, regulatory and marketing for the company’s American assets as well as the company’s interest in the Gulfstream Natural Gas System, Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline and Alaskan gas pipeline projects. In addition, he oversees engineering for all of DEGT. He is based in Houston.

Ables, as senior vice president, finance and administration and chief financial officer for DEGT, maintained her pre-acquisition title but expanded her role to include oversight of the company’s Canadian administrative and financial areas. She is based in Houston.

Harris was previously vice president, controllers and strategic planning and treasurer. He led Duke Energy’s efforts to acquire Westcoast. As senior vice president for DEGT, his role has expanded to include strategic development areas in both the United States and Canada. He is based in Houston.

Unruh has been named senior vice president and general counsel for DEGT. He’s responsible for leading the company’s legal efforts in the United States and Canada. Previously, he was senior vice president, law, and corporate secretary for Westcoast. He is based in Vancouver.

“There are efficiencies to be gained by having management representation in Canada and the United States,” said Evans. “With Westcoast’s tremendous assets and our leadership team’s invaluable experience operating in Canada, we’re positioned to maximize our investment from the outset.”

Duke Energy Gas Transmission is a North American leader in developing energy infrastructure and connecting major natural gas supply basins to growing markets. The company’s natural gas operations include more than 18,900 miles of interstate transmission pipeline and 240 billion cubic feet of storage capacity in Canada and the United States. More information on DEGT can be found at http://www.degt.duke-energy.com

Duke Energy, a diversified multinational energy company, creates value for customers and shareholders through an integrated network of energy assets and expertise. Duke Energy manages a dynamic portfolio of natural gas and electric supply, delivery and trading businesses   -- generating revenues of more than $59 billion in 2001. Duke Energy, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is a Fortune 100 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