PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Symmes Township, OH - (December 12, 2011) - On December 6, 2011, Duke Energy Retail offered a special rate reduction to those participating in the Symmes Township electric aggregation program.  The rate now being offered is $ .0599 per kWh extended through the end of 2013, reduced from $ .0619 per kWh that was to end in May 2013.

Because of this recently reduced rate, Duke Energy Retail has had to obtain revised approval from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.  This revised approval essentially is to obtain permission to communicate the revised rate.

We are advised today that this approval will take approximately 10 days.  Therefore, Duke Energy Retail expects to have its letter communicating this new $ .0599 rate to Symmes Township residents and businesses in approximately 13 to 15 days.

Remember, if you are an OPT OUT participant in the aggregation program, you need do nothing and you will get the $ .0599 rate.  For those who initially OPTED IN to the Symmes aggregation program, you will need to respond to get the $ .0599 rate either by returning the election card or contacting Duke Energy Retail.  Contact information will be contained in the communication you receive from Duke Energy Retail in approximately 13 to 15 days.