Jan. 10, 2011Duke, Progress Energy merging

Duke and Progress Energy are merging to create the largest US energy utility.

CEO of Duke Energy Jim Rogers has noted that the merger will ease the transition to greener business practices as the company heads into a new building phase.

Although new greenhouse gas (GHG) regulations are coming into effect, both firms believe they are better positioned to meet these regulations following the merger.Combined, Duke Energy and Progress Energy will produce 23 percent of their electricity through non-emitting plants, such as hydro and nuclear.

Progress Energy CEO Bill Johnson stated that the merged companies will move towards using more natural gas as compared to heavy emitting coal in future plants.

By becoming the largest US utility, green advocates are hoping that Duke Power will use its lobby influence in Washington to promote an environmentally conscious energy bill.