Harper will lead the team responsible for expanding the company’s sales and marketing operations, providing customers with customized energy supply, transportation and risk management solutions. Regional marketing offices will be maintained in Houston, Salt Lake City and Calgary.

“Greg’s experience makes him a solid addition to the strong management team that has been commissioned to lead the new Duke Energy North America into a productive 2003,” said Ladd. “The sales and marketing group is charged with increasing the depth and breadth of our power and natural gas sales to distributors, large industrial users, municipalities and other marketers while offering customer service that is unmatched in the industry.”

Harper joined Duke Energy in 1987 as an engineer for Texas Eastern Transmission Corp. and has moved into positions of increasing responsibility throughout his tenure. He became vice president of East Tennessee Natural Gas for Duke Energy Gas Transmission (DEGT) in 2000. In conjunction with Duke Energy’s acquisition of Westcoast Energy in 2002, Harper was appointed to his most recent position, vice president of business development at East Tennessee Natural Gas, where he was responsible for ongoing East Tennessee Natural Gas commercial operations and new business development activities for the Southeast.

A native of Owensboro, Ky., Harper earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Kentucky and a master of business administration degree from The University of Houston. He is a member of the board of directors of the U.S. Oil & Gas Association, Alabama/Mississippi division. He is also a member of the Houston Energy Association, National Energy Services Association, Pennsylvania Gas Association, Tennessee Gas Association and Southeastern Gas Association.

Duke Energy North America is Duke Energy's North American merchant energy business. Duke Energy North America's generation portfolio currently includes approximately 14,200 megawatts in operation.

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.