DUKE ENERGY NAMED TO INFORMATIONWEEK 500

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Duke Energy has been named one of the best companies in the use of information technology.

The company was named to the InformationWeek 500 -- which identifies the best technology and business practices of companies nationwide. The magazine has compiled its annual list for the past 15 years.

"This honor belongs to the dedicated technology professionals at Duke Energy,” said Cecil Smith, senior vice president and chief information officer. “In today’s high-tech business world, a successful company demands top-notch information technology and management. Our staff has delivered that to Duke Energy.”

The magazine cited the technology Duke Energy used to respond to a severe ice storm that hit North Carolina and South Carolina in December 2002, and the company’s use of supply-chain applications to increase productivity.

The list is featured in the magazine’s Sept. 22 edition. Duke Energy ranked 41^st in the overall rankings and was the top-rated electric and gas utility. In the overall energy sector, the company was second behind Texas-based Halliburton.

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  .

Contact:	Randy Wheeless
Phone:	704/382-8379
24-Hour Phone:	704/382-8333
e-mail:	crwheele@duke-energy.com