Membership in the prestigious committee is equally divided among professionals representing government, industry and the public. The committee provides DOT with a peer review of proposed pipeline safety regulations for the Office of Pipeline Safety. The committee’s 15 members are appointed to serve three-year terms.

“It is an honor for the company to have Andy selected for the pipeline safety standards committee and represent our industry in this important role,” said Robert B. Evans, DEGT president and chief executive officer. “Andy has been heavily involved in our ongoing emphasis on safety and reliability as we strive to build and maintain the necessary infrastructure to meet the nation’s growing demand for energy.”

Drake, a professional engineer, joined Duke Energy in 1982 after graduating from Ohio State University. He serves as chairman for both the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America’s Pipeline Safety Committee and the gas industry integrity management initiative, working with DOT on the proposed integrity rule.

The pipeline safety standards committee is required by law and chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

Houston-based 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 is a diversified multinational energy company with an integrated network of energy assets and expertise. The company manages a dynamic portfolio of natural gas and electric supply, delivery and trading businesses – meeting the energy needs of customers throughout North America and in key markets around the world. 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.