Duke Energy named one of the 20 most innovative companies

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy has been named to Greentech Media's Grid Edge 20 – recognizing the company as one of the most innovative firms working to architect the electric power industry's future.

Companies were selected based on their contribution to grid edge technology transformation – increasingly critical in today's changing utility industry. Energy stakeholders and other thought leaders in the industry helped select the Grid Edge 20. See the entire list.

"At Duke Energy, we continue to promote innovation as a way to make our operations more efficient -- and our customers more satisfied. We are honored with this recognition," said Caren Anders, vice president, Emerging Technology and Transmission Affairs.

Among the emerging technology projects Duke Energy is working on: energy storage, microgrids and making the grid operate with more open standards and less proprietary protocols. These efforts will help the company and customers alike with a stronger, more resilient electric grid.

"The Grid Edge 20 is an annual benchmark for our industry," said Steve Propper, director of Grid Edge at Greentech Media. "This year's group is made up of technology vendors making the greatest impact on the market in terms of deploying disruptive solutions commercially. It also includes utilities making smart investments to optimize their distribution network architecture and prepare for the future architecture of the grid."

The publication noted Duke Energy's plans for a testing facility in Gaston County, N.C., this year. Duke Energy and more than 25 companies will test new innovative techniques for the electric grid at the facility.

Duke Energy representatives will accept the award in June at Grid Edge Live 2015 in San Diego.

About Duke EnergyHeadquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 250 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. 

Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

About Greentech MediaGreentech Media delivers business-to-business news, market analysis and conferences that inform and connect players in the global clean energy market. Our coverage area extends across the clean energy industry with a focus on solar power and the electric utility market's evolution. Greentech Media's industry-leading coverage is provided by a team of analysts from our market intelligence arm, GTM Research, as well as our world-class journalists and global network of expert contributors. Learn more at www.greentechmedia.com.

Duke Energy contact: Randy WheelessOffice: 704.382.8379 I 24-hour media line: 800.559.3853Twitter: @DE_RandyW

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SOURCE Duke Energy