“More than 6,000 employees and retirees participated in this year’s Global Service Event, enriching more than 100 communities in five countries,” said Richard B. Priory, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Duke Energy. “We are a company who cares, and this month our caring was put to work around the globe.”

Although the roots of Duke Energy go back almost 100 years, the Global Service Event is a month-long celebration that commemorates the naming of Duke Energy in 1997 after the merger of Duke Power Co. and PanEnergy Corp. The Global Service Event was created to bring employees of both companies together to improve the communities where the company operates.

Every June for the past five years, the event has grown enormously. The projects range from tutoring basic computer skills in Gaston County, N.C., to restoring a lighthouse in Morro Bay, Calif.

The Global Service Event compliments the year-round volunteerism at Duke Energy. Each year employees have access to $250,000 in Duke Energy Foundation funds for materials used in volunteer projects. Employees attend classes to learn how to be better board members for nonprofits. Nonprofits that want to reach Duke Energy employees who might volunteer should go to www.VolunteerMatch.com, and register their opportunities.

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.