FORT ST. JOHN, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Duke Energy announced today it will contribute CDN$1.88 million (US$1.2 million) over the next three years to “Northern Opportunities,” an education-career transitioning initiative in northeast British Columbia. 

The Northern Opportunities program will begin in September 2003. It creates a pathway for northeast B.C. students from high school to the trades and technology work place through training, work experience and career planning. Once established in B.C., Northern Opportunities can be used as a model for a similar initiative in northern Ontario where Duke Energy is active through its Union Gas subsidiary.

“As the founding sponsor of Northern Opportunities, Duke Energy is demonstrating its commitment to the growth and development of communities and industries in northeast B.C.,” said the Honourable Richard Neufeld, Minister of Energy and Mines, Government of British Columbia. “Trades and technology training is a critical component of our province’s future success.” 

“Strong communities build strong businesses,” said Al Ritchie, vice president operations, Duke Energy Gas Transmission BC Pipeline and Field Services divisions. “This investment in northeast B.C. will help strengthen the communities where we work and live, while developing a strong workforce with regionally relevant skills.” 

Northern Opportunities will be managed by the newly created Community Learning Council, a team of community, educational, Aboriginal and business leaders dedicated to the long-term success of this initiative.

“If we are to continue to prosper as a province, we need to explore new ways of producing the skilled workers British Columbia employers want and need,” said the Honourable Shirley Bond, Minister of Advanced Education, Government of British Columbia. “It is exciting to see a team of educators and industry, community and Aboriginal leaders working together to share ideas and develop this innovative initiative.”

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 250 billion cubic feet of storage capacity in Canada and the United States. More information on DEGT can be found at 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 500 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.