Duke Energy's commitment to Supplier Diversity - Special Advertising Section - Brief Article

At Duke Energy, it is our privilege, policy and practice to proactively seek diversified suppliers. Through Supplier Diversity, we build relationships with businesses owned by people of color, women, Vietnam-era vets and persons with disabilities capable of providing commodities and services at competitive prices. Also, through partnerships with organizations like the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), we are committed to enhancing business opportunities for diverse-owned businesses.

Suppliers are extremely important to the success of our business. Each year, we receive thousands of bids. But we ultimately only award contracts based on mutual trust, merit, and most importantly, how suppliers will benefit our customers--not our company. Successful suppliers are those who bring the most value to Duke Energy to meet our business objectives.

Some of the factors that influence our buyers' supplier decisions include, but are not limited to:

1) E-business capabilities

Our commitment to keeping our supplier strategy aligned with our business strategy drives our commitment to seeking suppliers who value and leverage technology to create business advantage. We use technology to move for our customers with speed, efficiency, flexibility and effectiveness. We seek suppliers who do tire same. Duke Energy participates in an internet-based business-to-business exchange. This unique consortium, called Pantellos, connects multinational energy companies with suppliers via an e-marketplace.

2) Global reach or ability to service our global needs

Our business reaches across the globe, to diverse regions of the world. We need suppliers whose business can connect with and service Duke Energy's global business needs.

3) Alignment with our philosophy and commitment to ethical business practices and standards

Duke Energy's business philosophy rests on a foundation of solid ethical principles. Our commitment to business integrity is constant. We seek suppliers who share our philosophy and commitment to upholding the highest ethical business practices and standards.