On March 10, 2020, Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order No. 116 declaring a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 19, 2020, the NCUC issued an order directing that utilities under its jurisdiction suspend disconnections for nonpayment of utility bills during the state of emergency (as defined by Executive Order No. 116) and allow for customers to enter into payment arrangements to pay off arrearages accumulated during the state of emergency after the end of the state of emergency. Additionally, to help mitigate the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on their customers, on March 19, 2020, Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress filed a request with the NCUC seeking authorization to waive: (1) any late payment charges incurred by a residential or nonresidential customer, effective March 21, 2020; (2) the application of fees for checks returned for insufficient funds for residential and nonresidential customers; (3) the reconnection charge when a residential or nonresidential customer seeks to have service restored for those customers whose service was recently disconnected for nonpayment and to work with customers regarding the other requirements to restore service, including re-establishment of credit; and (4) the fees and charges associated with the use of credit cards or debit cards to pay residential electric utility bills, effective March 21, 2020. The NCUC granted the companies’ request on March 20, 2020.

On March 31, 2020, the governor issued Executive Order No. 124, which, in addition to requiring the steps in the NCUC order noted above, stated that nothing in Executive Order No. 124 shall relieve a customer of its obligation to pay bills for receipt of utility services provided. Executive Order No. 124 remains in effect for 60 days unless otherwise rescinded or replaced with a superseding Executive Order. On May 30, 2020, the governor issued Executive Order No. 142, which extended effective period for Executive Order No. 124 to July 29, 2020. Executive Order No. 142 was not extended.

On July 10, 2020, Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress filed a petition with the NCUC for clarification regarding when they may begin working with customers on establishing payment arrangements for arrears accumulated since March 13, 2020. On July 29, 2020, the NCUC issued its Order Lifting Disconnection Moratorium and Allowing Collection of Arrearages Pursuant to Special Repayment Plans. The order contained the following: 1) public utilities may resume customer disconnections due to nonpayment for bills first rendered on or after September 1, 2020, after appropriate notice; 2) the late fee moratorium will continue through the end of the state of emergency or until further order of the commission; 3) Duke Energy utilities may reinstate fees for checks returned for insufficient funds as well as transaction fees for use of credit cards or debit cards for bills first rendered on or after September 1, 2020; and 4) no sooner than September 1, 2020, the collection of past-due or delinquent accounts accrued up to and including August 31, 2020, may proceed subject to conditions.

On March 13, 2020, Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order No. 2020-08 declaring a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The governor also issued a letter on March 14, 2020, to the ORS Executive Director regarding the suspension of disconnection of essential utility services for nonpayment. On March 18, 2020, the PSCSC issued an order approving such waivers, and also approved waivers for regulations related to late fees and reconnect fees. The PSCSC's order also required utilities to track the financial impacts of actions taken pursuant to such waivers for possible reporting to the PSCSC.

On April 30, 2020, the ORS requested the PSCSC grant a waiver of the applicable regulations to allow customers the flexibility to obtain deferred payment plans longer than six months for past-due amounts. On May 5, 2020, Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress filed responsive comments stating that while utility bills will remain due, Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress do not plan to immediately reinstitute disconnection upon the expiration of the state of emergency and intend to work through a potential grace period as economic recovery begins. Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress also concurred with the observation of the ORS that reduced usage is impacting the fixed-cost recovery and revenue assumptions included in rates. Those costs include not only ongoing operational and financing costs necessary to serve customers, but also the borrowings necessary to support extended payment arrangements that will be an important part of emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress will continue to track such costs, lost revenues and potential cost savings for future evaluation by the PSCSC.

Additionally, on May 8, 2020, the ORS filed a motion for the PSCSC to solicit comments from utilities and interested stakeholders regarding measures to be taken to mitigate impacts of COVID-19 on utility customers and require recordkeeping. In a detailed motion, the ORS specifically asked the PSCSC to: (1) solicit input from utilities regarding the temporary mitigation measures to address COVID-19; (2) request utilities to inform the PSCSC of the plans utilities have to return to normalized operations; (3) require utilities to track revenue impacts, incremental costs and savings related to COVID-19 and file the findings with the PSCSC on a quarterly basis; and (4) include any other matters that the PSCSC believes should be addressed. On May 14, 2020, the PSCSC adopted the ORS' motion.

On May 13, 2020, the ORS filed a letter with the PSCSC that included a request from Governor McMaster that utilities proceed with developing and implementing plans for phasing in normal business operations. On May 14, 2020, the PSCSC conditionally vacated the regulation waivers regarding termination of service and suspension of disconnect fees. Prior to termination, utilities are to refer past-due customers to local organizations for assistance and/or deferred payment arrangements. Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress filed a report on June 30, 2020, as required by PSCSC order, reporting revenue impact, costs and savings related to COVID-19 to date. Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress are evaluating a filing with the PSCSC for deferral treatment of incremental costs and waived customer fees due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

On August 25, 2017, Duke Energy Carolinas filed an application with the NCUC for a rate increase for retail customers of approximately $647 million. On February 28, 2018, Duke Energy Carolinas and the North Carolina Public Staff (Public Staff) filed an Agreement and Stipulation of Partial Settlement resolving certain portions of the proceeding. Terms of the settlement included a return on equity of 9.9% and a capital structure of 52% equity and 48% debt. On June 22, 2018, the NCUC issued an order approving the Stipulation of Partial Settlement and requiring a revenue reduction.

The North Carolina Attorney General and other parties separately filed Notices of Appeal to the North Carolina Supreme Court. On August 8, 2018, the Public Staff filed a Notice of Cross Appeal to the North Carolina Supreme Court. On November 29, 2018, the North Carolina Attorney General's Office filed a motion with the North Carolina Supreme Court requesting the court consolidate the Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress appeals and enter an order adopting the parties’ proposed briefing schedule as set out in the filing. On November 29, 2018, the North Carolina Supreme Court adopted a schedule for briefing set forth in the motion to consolidate the Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress appeals. Appellant briefs were filed on April 26, 2019. The Appellee response briefs were filed on September 25, 2019. Oral arguments before the North Carolina Supreme Court were held on March 11, 2020. Duke Energy Carolinas cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

On September 30, 2019, Duke Energy Carolinas filed an application with the NCUC for a net rate increase for retail customers of approximately $291 million, which represented an approximate 6% increase in annual base revenues. The gross rate case revenue increase request was $445 million, which was offset by an EDIT rider of $154 million to return to customers North Carolina and federal EDIT resulting from recent reductions in corporate tax rates. The request for a rate increase was driven by major capital investments subsequent to the previous base rate case, coal ash pond closure costs, accelerated coal plant depreciation and deferred 2018 storm costs. Duke Energy Carolinas requested rates be effective no later than August 1, 2020. The NCUC established a procedural schedule with an evidentiary hearing to begin on March 23, 2020. On March 16, 2020, in consideration of public health and safety as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Duke Energy Carolinas filed a motion with the NCUC seeking a suspension of the procedural schedule in the rate case, including issuing discovery requests, and postponement of the evidentiary hearing for 60 days. Also on March 16, 2020, the NCUC issued an Order Postponing Hearing and Addressing Procedural Matters, which postponed the evidentiary hearing until further order by the commission.

On May 6, 2020, Duke Energy Carolinas, Duke Energy Progress and the Public Staff filed a joint motion requesting that the NCUC issue an order scheduling one consolidated evidentiary hearing to consider the companies’ applications for net rate increases. On June 17, 2020, the NCUC issued an order adopting procedures for the expert witness hearings to take place in three phases: 1) a hearing on issues common to both rate cases conducted remotely; 2) a hearing on Duke Energy Carolinas specific rate case issues conducted in person, followed immediately by; 3) a hearing on Duke Energy Progress specific rate case issues conducted in person. On July 24, 2020, Duke Energy Carolinas filed its request for approval of its notice to customers required to implement temporary rates. On July 27, 2020, Duke Energy Carolinas filed a joint motion with Duke Energy Progress and the Public Staff notifying the commission that the parties reached a joint partial settlement with the Public Staff and requesting a postponement of the evidentiary hearing until August 24, 2020. The NCUC granted the joint motion on July 27, 2020. Also on July 27, 2020, Duke Energy Carolinas filed a letter stating that it intended to update its temporary rates calculation to reflect the terms of the partial settlement.

On August 4, 2020, Duke Energy Carolinas, filed an amended motion for approval of its amended notice to customers, seeking to exercise its statutory right to implement temporary rates subject to refund on or after August 24, 2020. The revenue requirement to be recovered, subject to refund, through the temporary rates is based on and consistent with the base rate component of the Second Partial Settlement with the Public Staff and excludes the items to be litigated noted above. Duke Energy Carolinas will not begin the amortization or implementation of these items until a final order is issued in the rate case and new base rates are implemented. These items will also be excluded when determining whether a refund of amounts collected through these temporary rates is needed. In addition, Duke Energy Carolinas also seeks authorization to place a temporary decrement EDIT Rider into effect, concurrent with the temporary base rate change. The temporary rate changes are not final rates and remain subject to the NCUC's determination of the just and reasonable rates to be charged by Duke Energy Carolinas on a permanent basis. The NCUC approved the August 4, 2020 amended temporary rates motion on August 6, 2020.

As a result of the order, revised customer rates were effective June 1, 2019. On May 31, 2019, Duke Energy Carolinas filed a Petition for Rehearing or Reconsideration of that order contending substantial rights of Duke Energy Carolinas were prejudiced by unlawful, arbitrary and capricious rulings by the commission on certain issues presented in the proceeding. On June 19, 2019, the PSCSC issued a Directive denying Duke Energy Carolinas' request to rehear or reconsider the commission's rulings on certain issues presented in the proceeding including coal ash remediation and disposal costs, return on equity and the recovery of a return on deferred operation and maintenance expenses. An order detailing the commission's decision in the Directive was issued on October 18, 2019. Duke Energy Carolinas filed a notice of appeal on November 15, 2019, with the Supreme Court of South Carolina. On November 20, 2019, the South Carolina Energy Users Committee filed a Notice of Appeal and the ORS filed a Notice of Cross Appeal with the Supreme Court of South Carolina. On February 12, 2020, Duke Energy Carolinas and the ORS filed a joint motion to extend briefing schedule deadlines, which was approved by the Supreme Court of South Carolina on February 20, 2020. On March 10, 2020, the ORS filed a consent motion requesting withdrawal of their appeal, which was granted by the Supreme Court of South Carolina on April 30, 2020. Initial briefs were filed on April 21, 2020, which included the South Carolina Energy User's Committee brief arguing that the PSCSC erred in allowing Duke Energy Carolinas' recovery of costs related to the Lee Nuclear Station. Response briefs were filed on July 6, 2020, and reply briefs are due on August 11, 2020. Based on legal analysis and the filing of the appeal, Duke Energy Carolinas has not recorded an adjustment for its deferred coal ash costs. Duke Energy Carolinas cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

On June 1, 2017, Duke Energy Progress filed an application with the NCUC for a rate increase for retail customers of approximately $477 million, which was subsequently adjusted to $420 million. On November 22, 2017, Duke Energy Progress and the Public Staff filed an Agreement and Stipulation of Partial Settlement resolving certain portions of the proceeding. Terms of the settlement included a return on equity of 9.9% and a capital structure of 52% equity and 48% debt. On February 23, 2018, the NCUC issued an order approving the stipulation. The Public Staff, the North Carolina Attorney General and the Sierra Club filed notes of appeal to the North Carolina Supreme Court.

On November 29, 2018, the North Carolina Attorney General's Office filed a motion with the North Carolina Supreme Court requesting the court consolidate the Duke Energy Progress and Duke Energy Carolinas appeals and enter an order adopting the parties’ proposed briefing schedule as set out in the filing. Appellant briefs were filed on April 26, 2019. The Appellee response briefs were filed on September 25, 2019. Oral arguments before the North Carolina Supreme Court were held on March 11, 2020. Duke Energy Progress cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

On October 30, 2019, Duke Energy Progress filed an application with the NCUC for a net rate increase for retail customers of approximately $464 million, which represented an approximate 12.3% increase in annual base revenues. The gross rate case revenue increase request was $586 million, which was offset by riders of $122 million, primarily an EDIT rider of $120 million to return to customers North Carolina and federal EDIT resulting from recent reductions in corporate tax rates. The request for rate increase was driven by major capital investments subsequent to the previous base rate case, coal ash pond closure costs, accelerated coal plant depreciation and deferred 2018 storm costs. Duke Energy Progress seeks to defer and recover incremental Hurricane Dorian storm costs in this proceeding and requests rates be effective no later than September 1, 2020. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 24, 2020, the NCUC suspended the procedural schedule and postponed the previously scheduled evidentiary hearing on this matter indefinitely. On April 7, 2020, the NCUC issued an order partially resuming the procedural schedule requiring intervenors to file direct testimony on April 13, 2020. Public Staff filed supplemental direct testimony on April 23, 2020. Duke Energy Progress filed rebuttal testimony on May 4, 2020.

On May 6, 2020, Duke Energy Progress, Duke Energy Carolinas and the Public Staff filed a joint motion requesting that the NCUC issue an order scheduling one consolidated evidentiary hearing to consider the companies’ applications for net rate increases. On June 17, 2020, the NCUC issued an order adopting procedures for the expert witness hearings to take place in three phases: 1) a hearing on issues common to both rate cases conducted remotely; 2) a hearing on Duke Energy Carolinas specific rate case issues conducted in person, followed immediately by; 3) a hearing on Duke Energy Progress specific rate case issues conducted in person. On July 27, 2020, Duke Energy Progress filed a joint motion with Duke Energy Carolinas and the Public Staff notifying the commission that the parties reached a joint partial settlement with the Public Staff and requesting a postponement of the evidentiary hearing until August 24, 2020. The NCUC granted the joint motion on July 27, 2020.

On August 7, 2020, Duke Energy Progress filed a motion for approval of notice required to implement temporary rates, seeking to exercise its statutory right to implement temporary rates subject to refund on or after September 1, 2020. The revenue requirement to be recovered subject to refund through the temporary rates is based on and consistent with the terms of the base rate component of the settlement agreements with the Public Staff and excludes items to be litigated noted above. Duke Energy Progress will not begin the amortization or implementation of these items until a final determination is issued in the rate case and new base rates are implemented. These items will also be excluded when determining whether a refund of amounts collected through these temporary rates is needed. In addition, Duke Energy Progress also seeks authorization to place a temporary decrement EDIT Rider into effect, concurrent with the temporary base rate change. The temporary rate changes are not final rates and remain subject to the NCUC's determination of the just and reasonable rates to be charged by Duke Energy Progress on a permanent basis.

Hurricane Dorian reached the Carolinas in September 2019 as a Category 2 hurricane making landfall within Duke Energy Progress’ service territory. Total estimated incremental operation and maintenance expenses incurred to repair and restore the system are approximately $165 million with an additional $4 million in capital investments made for restoration efforts. Approximately $139 million and $179 million of the operation and maintenance expenses are deferred in Regulatory assets within Other Noncurrent Assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019, respectively. A request for an accounting order to defer incremental storm costs associated with Hurricane Dorian was included in Duke Energy Progress' October 30, 2019, general rate case filing with the NCUC. Terms of the June 2, 2020, Agreement and Stipulation of Partial Settlement removed incremental storm costs from the general rate case. A petition seeking to securitize these costs will be filed within 120 days of an NCUC order in the general rate case. Duke Energy Progress cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

As a result of the order, revised customer rates were effective June 1, 2019. On May 31, 2019, Duke Energy Progress filed a Petition for Rehearing or Reconsideration of that order contending substantial rights of Duke Energy Progress were prejudiced by unlawful, arbitrary and capricious rulings by the commission on certain issues presented in the proceeding. On June 19, 2019, the PSCSC issued a Directive denying Duke Energy Progress' request to rehear or reconsider the commission's rulings on certain issues presented in the proceeding including coal ash remediation and disposal costs, return on equity and the recovery of a return on deferred operation and maintenance expenses, but allowing additional litigation-related costs. As a result of the Directive allowing litigation-related costs, customer rates were revised effective July 1, 2019. An order detailing the commission's decision in the Directive was issued on October 18, 2019. Duke Energy Progress filed a notice of appeal on November 15, 2019, with the Supreme Court of South Carolina. The ORS filed a Notice of Cross Appeal on November 20, 2019. On February 12, 2020, Duke Energy Progress and the ORS filed a joint motion to extend briefing schedule deadlines, which was approved by the Supreme Court of South Carolina on February 20, 2020. On March 10, 2020, the ORS filed a consent motion requesting withdrawal of their appeal, which was granted by the Supreme Court of South Carolina on April 30, 2020. Initial briefs were filed on April 21, 2020. Response briefs were filed on July 6, 2020, and reply briefs are due on August 11, 2020. Based on legal analysis and the filing of the appeal, Duke Energy Progress has not recorded an adjustment for its deferred coal ash costs. Duke Energy Progress cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

On December 27, 2019, Asheville Combined Cycle Unit 5 Combustion Turbine and Unit 6 Steam Turbine Generator and the common systems that serve combined cycle units went into commercial operation. Duke Energy Progress placed the Unit 7 Combustion Turbine into commercial operation in simple-cycle mode on January 15, 2020. The Unit 8 Steam Turbine Generator went into commercial operation on April 5, 2020. On June 2, 2020, Duke Energy Progress filed a request with the PSCSC for an accounting order for the deferral of post-in-service costs incurred in connection with the addition of the Asheville combined cycle generating plant. The petition requested the PSCSC issue an accounting order authorizing Duke Energy Progress to defer post-in-service costs including the Asheville combined cycle’s depreciation expense, property taxes, incremental O&M and carrying costs at WACC of approximately $8 million annually. On June 17, 2020, the PSCSC voted to approve the petition and issued its final order on July 6, 2020.

On October 11, 2019, North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency (NCEMPA) filed a complaint at the FERC against Duke Energy Progress pursuant to Section 206 of the Federal Power Act (FPA). Duke Energy Progress provides NCEMPA with service under the Full Requirements Power Purchase Agreement (FRPPA). The complaint alleges that the 11% stated return on equity (ROE) component contained in the FRPPA’s demand formula rate is unjust and unreasonable. On July 16, 2020, the FERC set this matter for hearing and settlement judge procedures and established a refund effective date of October 11, 2019. In its order setting the matter for settlement, the FERC allowed for variation to the base transmission-related ROE methodology developed in Order No. 569-A, through the introduction of “specific facts and circumstances” involving the parties to this case. It is Duke Energy Progress’ view that, in consideration of the specific facts and circumstances of risks under the provisions of the FRPPA, the stated 11% ROE applied to NCEMPA’s metered billing demand is just and reasonable. Duke Energy Progress cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

On March 1, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order No. 20-51 directing the State Health Officer of Florida to declare a public health emergency in Florida related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The governor then issued a second Executive Order No. 20-52 on March 9, 2020, in which he declared a state of emergency in Florida and directed the Director of the Division of Emergency Management to implement the state’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. The governor issued additional Executive Orders – Nos. 2020-68, 2020-69, 2020-71, 2020-72 and 2020-83 – in response to the ongoing health care emergency that, among other things, suspended the in-person public meeting requirements for state agencies and local governments and directed the state surgeon general to issue public health advisories to limit potential exposure to COVID-19, advising against gatherings of 10 or more persons. On March 19, 2020, Duke Energy Florida filed a request to modify its tariff to allow it to waive late fees for customers, and on April 6, 2020, the FPSC issued an order approving the request. Duke Energy Florida had already voluntarily waived reconnect fees and credit card fees, and is not disconnecting customers for nonpayment. On April 2, 2020, Duke Energy Florida filed a petition with the FPSC to accelerate a $78 million fuel cost refund to customers in the month of May 2020. Typically, the refund would be made over the course of 2021. The FPSC approved the petition on April 28, 2020.

Duke Energy Florida filed a petition with the FPSC on April 30, 2019, to recover $223 million of estimated retail incremental storm restoration costs for Hurricane Michael, consistent with the provisions in the 2017 Settlement, and the FPSC approved the petition on June 11, 2019. The FPSC also approved allowing Duke Energy Florida to use the tax savings resulting from the Tax Act to recover these storm costs in lieu of implementing a storm surcharge. Approved storm costs are currently expected to be fully recovered by approximately year-end 2021. On November 22, 2019, Duke Energy Florida filed a petition for approval of actual retail recoverable storm restoration costs related to Hurricane Michael in the amount of $191 million plus interest. On May 19, 2020, Duke Energy Florida filed a supplemental true up reducing the actual retail recoverable storm restoration costs related to Hurricane Michael by approximately $3 million, resulting in a total request to recover $188 million actual retail recoverable storm restoration costs, plus interest. An Order Establishing Procedure was issued on January 30, 2020, and hearings are scheduled to begin September 15, 2020. Approximately $163 million and $204 million of these costs are included in Regulatory assets within Current Assets and Other Noncurrent Assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019, respectively. Duke Energy Florida cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

Duke Energy Florida filed a petition with the FPSC on December 19, 2019, to recover $169 million of estimated retail incremental storm restoration costs for Hurricane Dorian, consistent with the provisions in the 2017 Settlement and the FPSC approved the petition on February 24, 2020. Approved storm costs are currently expected to be recovered over a 12-month period with rates effective in March 2020 and subject to true up. The final actual amount will be filed later in 2020 and the FPSC will hold a hearing to determine the final amount of incremental costs. Approximately $95 million and $167 million of these costs are included in Regulatory assets within Current Assets and Other Noncurrent Assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019, respectively, representing recoverable costs under the FPSC’s storm rule and Duke Energy Florida's OATT formula rates. Duke Energy Florida cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

On July 1, 2020, Duke Energy Florida petitioned the FPSC for approval of a voluntary solar program. The program consists of 10 new solar generating facilities with combined capacity of approximately 750 MW. The program allows participants to support cost effective solar development in Florida. Participants will pay a subscription fee based on per kilowatt-subscriptions and receive a credit on their bill based on the generation associated with their portion of the solar portfolio. The estimated cost of the 10 new solar generation facilities is approximately $1 billion over the next four years, and this investment will be included in base rates offset by the revenue from the subscription fees. The credits will be included for recovery in the fuel cost recovery clause. Duke Energy Florida cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

On May 29, 2019, Duke Energy Florida entered into a Decommissioning Services Agreement for the accelerated decommissioning of the Crystal River Unit 3 nuclear power station located in Citrus County, Florida, with ADP CR3, LLC and ADP SF1, LLC, each of which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Accelerated Decommissioning Partners, LLC, a joint venture between NorthStar Group Services, Inc. and Orano USA LLC. Closing of this agreement is contingent upon the approval of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which was received on April 1, 2020, and FPSC. If approved, the decommissioning will be accelerated starting in 2020 and continuing through 2027, rather than the expected time frame under SAFSTOR of starting in 2067 and ending in 2074. Duke Energy Florida expects that the assets of the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund will be sufficient to cover the contract price. On July 10, 2019, Duke Energy Florida petitioned the FPSC for approval of the agreement. The FPSC held the hearing on July 7-9, 2020, and is expected to vote on the petition at its August 18 Agenda Conference. Duke Energy Florida cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

On April 10, 2020, Duke Energy Florida filed its initial Storm Protection Plan (SPP) with the FPSC. The SPP outlines storm protection programs over a 10-year planning period intended to enhance the existing infrastructure for the purpose of reducing restoration costs and reducing outage times associated with extreme weather conditions therefore improving overall service reliability. The FPSC will hold a hearing to determine whether to approve, deny, or approve the SPP with modifications beginning on August 10, 2020. On July 31, 2020, Duke Energy Florida entered into a settlement with certain intervenors in support of this filing. Duke Energy Florida cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 9, 2020, Governor Mike DeWine issued Executive Order No. 2020-01D declaring a state of emergency in the state of Ohio. The PUCO issued an order directing utilities to cease disconnections for nonpayment and waive late payment and reconnection fees and to minimize direct customer contact. The PUCO also directed utilities to maintain flexible payment plans and tariff interpretations to assist customers during this crisis and to seek any regulatory waivers, if necessary. In response, Duke Energy Ohio has ceased all disconnections except for safety-related concerns and is waiving late payment and reconnection fees. On March 19, 2020, Duke Energy Ohio filed its compliance plan with the PUCO and sought waiver of several regulations to minimize direct customer contact. On May 4, 2020, Duke Energy Ohio filed a motion to suspend payment rules to enable proactive outreach to residential customers offering additional options for managing their utility bills. PUCO found the proposal to address the state of emergency and the accompanying waivers reasonable and directed Duke Energy Ohio to work with the PUCO Staff on a comprehensive plan for resumption of activities and operations, to be filed 45 days before resumption of activities. The transition plan was filed on June 26, 2020, and approved by the PUCO on July 29, 2020.

On May 11, 2020, Duke Energy Ohio filed with the PUCO a request seeking deferral of incremental costs incurred, as well as specific miscellaneous lost revenues using existing bad debts and uncollectible riders already in place for both electric and natural gas operations. Duke Energy Ohio would subsequently file for rider recovery at a later date. On June 17, 2020, the PUCO approved Duke Energy Ohio’s deferral application. The commission denied the accrual of carrying costs and ordered Duke Energy Ohio to also track potential savings experienced as a result of COVID-19.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 6, 2020, Governor Andy Beshear issued Executive Order No. 2020-215 declaring a state of emergency in the commonwealth of Kentucky. The KPSC issued an order directing utilities to cease disconnections for nonpayment and waive late payment. The KPSC also directed utilities to maintain flexible payment plans and tariff interpretations to assist customers during this crisis and to seek any regulatory waivers if necessary. In response, Duke Energy Kentucky has ceased all disconnections except for safety-related concerns and is waiving late payment and reconnection fees. On June 23, 2020, the KPSC issued data requests to all jurisdictional utilities seeking information on customer bill impacts, arrearages, bad debt and incremental costs and savings due to COVID-19. Responses were filed on July 21, 2020. Duke Energy Kentucky cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

On June 1, 2017, Duke Energy Ohio filed with the PUCO a request for a standard service offer in the form of an ESP. On April 13, 2018, Duke Energy Ohio, along with certain intervenors, filed a Stipulation and Recommendation (Stipulation) with the PUCO resolving that the term of the ESP would be from June 1, 2018, to May 31, 2025, and included continuation of market-based customer rates through competitive procurement processes for generation, continuation and expansion of existing rider mechanisms and approved new rider mechanisms relating to costs incurred to enhance the customer experience and transform the grid and a service reliability rider for vegetation management. On September 13, 2019, and September 16, 2019, Interstate Gas Supply/Retail Supply Association and the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), respectively, filed appeals to the Supreme Court of Ohio claiming the PUCO’s order was in error. On March 13, 2020, the Supreme Court of Ohio dismissed OCC's appeal. On April 22, 2020, the Supreme Court of Ohio dismissed all remaining appeals of the PUCO's December 19, 2018 order approving the stipulation. The case has been resolved.

Duke Energy Ohio filed with the PUCO an electric distribution base rate case application and supporting testimony in March 2017. Duke Energy Ohio requested an estimated annual increase of approximately $15 million and a return on equity of 10.4%. On April 13, 2018, Duke Energy Ohio, along with certain intervenors, filed the Stipulation with the PUCO including a $19 million decrease in annual base distribution revenue with a return on equity unchanged from the current rate of 9.84% based upon a capital structure of 50.75% equity and 49.25% debt. Upon approval of new rates, Duke Energy Ohio's rider for recovering its initial SmartGrid implementation ended as these costs would be recovered through base rates. The Stipulation also renewed 14 existing riders, some of which were included in the company's ESP, and added two new riders including the Enhanced Service Reliability Rider to recover vegetation management costs not included in base rates, up to $10 million per year (operation and maintenance only) and the Power Future Initiatives Rider (formerly PowerForward Rider) to recover costs incurred to enhance the customer experience and further transform the grid (operation and maintenance and capital). In addition to the changes in revenue attributable to the Stipulation, Duke Energy Ohio’s capital-related riders, including the Distribution Capital Investments Rider, began to reflect the lower federal income tax rate associated with the Tax Act with updates to customers’ bills beginning April 1, 2018. This change reduced electric revenue by approximately $20 million on an annualized basis. On December 19, 2018, the PUCO approved the Stipulation without material modification. New base rates were implemented effective January 2, 2019. On September 13, 2019, and September 16, 2019, Interstate Gas Supply/Retail Supply Association and the OCC, respectively, filed appeals to the Supreme Court of Ohio claiming the PUCO’s order was in error. On March 13, 2020, the Supreme Court of Ohio dismissed OCC's appeal. On April 22, 2020, the Supreme Court of Ohio dismissed all remaining appeals of the PUCO's December 19, 2018 order approving the stipulation. The case has been resolved.

On March 31, 2017, Duke Energy Ohio filed for approval to adjust its existing Rider PSR to pass through net costs related to its contractual entitlement to capacity and energy from the generating assets owned by OVEC. Duke Energy Ohio sought deferral authority for net costs incurred from April 1, 2017, until the new rates under Rider PSR were put into effect. On April 13, 2018, Duke Energy Ohio, along with certain intervenors, filed a Stipulation with the PUCO resolving numerous issues including those related to Rider PSR. The Stipulation activated Rider PSR for recovery of net costs incurred from January 1, 2018, through May 2025. On December 19, 2018, the PUCO approved the Stipulation without material modification. The PSR rider became effective April 1, 2019. On September 13, 2019, and September 16, 2019, Interstate Gas Supply/Retail Supply Association and the OCC filed appeals to the Supreme Court of Ohio claiming the PUCO’s order was in error. On March 13, 2020, the Supreme Court of Ohio dismissed OCC's appeal. On April 22, 2020, the Supreme Court of Ohio dismissed all remaining appeals of the PUCO's December 19, 2018 order approving the stipulation. The case has been resolved.

On July 23, 2019, House Bill 6 (HB6) was signed into law that became effective January 1, 2020. Among other things, the bill allows for funding of two nuclear generating facilities located in Northern Ohio through a charge on utility bills owned by Energy Harbor (f/k/a FirstEnergy Solutions), repeal of energy efficiency mandates, and recovery of prudently incurred costs, net of any revenues, for Ohio investor-owned utilities that are participants under the OVEC power agreement. The recovery shall be through a non-bypassable rider that is to replace any existing recovery mechanism approved by the PUCO and will remain in place through 2030. The amounts recoverable from customers will be subject to an annual cap, with incremental costs that exceed such cap eligible for deferral and recovery subject to review. See Note 13 for additional discussion of Duke Energy Ohio's ownership interest in OVEC. In July 2020, legislation to repeal HB 6 has been proposed in both the Ohio House and Senate. Duke Energy Ohio cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

On March 28, 2014, Duke Energy Ohio filed an application for recovery of program costs, lost distribution revenue and performance incentives related to its energy efficiency and peak demand reduction programs. The PUCO approved Duke Energy Ohio’s application but found that Duke Energy Ohio was not permitted to use banked energy savings from previous years in order to calculate the amount of allowed incentive. This conclusion represented a change to the cost recovery mechanism that had been agreed upon by intervenors and approved by the PUCO in previous cases. The PUCO granted the applications for rehearing filed by Duke Energy Ohio and an intervenor. On January 6, 2016, Duke Energy Ohio and the PUCO Staff entered into a stipulation, pending the PUCO's approval, to resolve issues related to performance incentives and the PUCO Staff audit of 2013 costs, among other issues. In December 2015, based upon the stipulation, Duke Energy Ohio re-established approximately $20 million of the revenues that had been previously reversed. On October 26, 2016, the PUCO issued an order approving the stipulation without modification. On February 26, 2020, the PUCO issued an order directing utilities to wind down their demand-side management programs by September 30, 2020, and to terminate the programs by December 31, 2020, in response to changes in Ohio law that eliminated Ohio's energy efficiency mandates. On March 27, 2020, Duke Energy Ohio filed an Application for Rehearing seeking clarification on the final true up and reconciliation process after 2020. On April 22, 2020, the PUCO granted rehearing for further consideration.

On June 8, 2020, Duke Energy Ohio filed an application to implement a voluntary energy efficiency program portfolio to commence on January 1, 2021. The application proposes a mechanism for recovery of program costs, lost margins and a shared savings incentive mechanism similar to those previously approved by the PUCO. On June 17, 2020, the PUCO, on its own motion, struck Duke Energy Ohio’s proposal to include a shared savings mechanism in its plan finding such incentives are not permissible or supportable under Ohio law. On June 26, 2020, Duke Energy Ohio withdrew its application.

Duke Energy Ohio is proposing to install a new natural gas pipeline (the Central Corridor Project) in its Ohio service territory to increase system reliability and enable the retirement of older infrastructure. Duke Energy Ohio currently estimates the pipeline development costs and construction activities will range from $163 million to $245 million in direct costs (excluding overheads and AFUDC) and that construction of the pipeline extension is expected to be completed before the 2021/2022 winter season. An evidentiary hearing for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need concluded on April 11, 2019. Briefs were filed on May 13, 2019, and reply briefs were filed on June 10, 2019. On November 21, 2019, the OPSB approved Duke Energy Ohio's application subject to 41 conditions on construction. Applications for rehearing were filed by several stakeholders on December 23, 2019, arguing that the OPSB approval was incorrect. On February 20, 2020, the OPSB denied the rehearing requests. On April 15, 2020, Joint Appellants filed a notice of appeal at the Supreme Court of Ohio of the OPSB’s decision approving Duke Energy Ohio’s Central Corridor application. On June 4, 2020, the OPSB filed a motion to dismiss claims raised by one of the Joint Appellants and to suspend the briefing schedule while the court considers the motion to dismiss. On August 5, 2020, the Supreme Court of Ohio dismissed one of the Joint Appellants from the appeal and established a new briefing schedule, with appellants' briefs due in 20 days. Duke Energy Ohio cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

As part of its 2012 natural gas base rate case, Duke Energy Ohio has approval to defer and recover costs related to environmental remediation at two sites (East End and West End) that housed former MGP operations. Duke Energy Ohio has made annual applications for recovery of these deferred costs. Duke Energy Ohio has collected approximately $55 million in environmental remediation costs between 2009 through 2012 through Rider MGP, which is currently suspended. Duke Energy Ohio has made annual applications with the PUCO to recover its incremental remediation costs consistent with the PUCO’s directive in Duke Energy Ohio’s 2012 natural gas rate case. To date, the PUCO has not ruled on Duke Energy Ohio’s annual applications for the calendar years 2013 through 2017. On September 28, 2018, the staff of the PUCO issued a report recommending a disallowance of approximately $12 million of the $26 million in MGP remediation costs incurred between 2013 through 2017 that staff believes are not eligible for recovery. Staff interprets the PUCO’s 2012 Order granting Duke Energy Ohio recovery of MGP remediation as limiting the recovery to work directly on the East End and West End sites. On October 30, 2018, Duke Energy Ohio filed reply comments objecting to the staff’s recommendations and explaining, among other things, the obligation Duke Energy Ohio has under Ohio law to remediate all areas impacted by the former MGPs and not just physical property that housed the former plants and equipment. On March 29, 2019, Duke Energy Ohio filed its annual application to recover incremental remediation expense for the calendar year 2018 seeking recovery of approximately $20 million in remediation costs. On July 12, 2019, the staff recommended a disallowance of approximately $11 million for work that staff believes occurred in areas not authorized for recovery. Additionally, staff recommended that any discussion pertaining to Duke Energy Ohio's recovery of ongoing MGP costs should be directly tied to or netted against insurance proceeds collected by Duke Energy Ohio. An evidentiary hearing concluded on November 21, 2019. Initial briefs were filed on January 17, 2020, and reply briefs were filed on February 14, 2020. Duke Energy Ohio cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

On March 31, 2020, Duke Energy Ohio filed its annual application to recover incremental remediation expense for the calendar year 2019 seeking recovery of approximately $39 million in remediation costs incurred during 2019. On July 23, 2020, the staff recommended a disallowance of approximately $4 million for work the staff believes occurred in areas not authorized for recovery. Additionally, the staff recommended insurance proceeds, net of litigation costs and attorney fees, should be reimbursed to customers and not be held by Duke Energy Ohio until all investigation and remediation is complete. Duke Energy Ohio cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

The 2012 PUCO order also contained conditional deadlines for completing the MGP environmental investigation and the deferral of remediation costs at the MGP sites. Subsequent to the order, the deadline was extended to December 31, 2019. On May 10, 2019, Duke Energy Ohio filed an application requesting a continuation of its existing deferral authority for MGP remediation and investigation that must occur after December 31, 2019. On September 13, 2019, intervenor comments were filed opposing Duke Energy Ohio's request for continuation of existing deferral authority and on October 2, 2019, Duke Energy Ohio filed reply comments. Duke Energy Ohio cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

On September 3, 2019, Duke Energy Kentucky filed a rate case with the KPSC requesting an increase in electric base rates of approximately $46 million. On January 31, 2020, Duke Energy Kentucky filed rebuttal testimony updating its rate increase calculations to approximately $44 million. Hearings concluded on February 20, 2020, and briefing was completed March 20, 2020. On April 27, 2020, the KPSC issued its decision approving a $24 million increase for Duke Energy Kentucky with a 9.25% return on equity. The KPSC denied Duke Energy Kentucky’s major storm deferral mechanism and EV and battery storage pilots. The KPSC approved Duke Energy Kentucky’s Green Source Advantage tariff. New customer rates were effective on May 1, 2020. On May 18, 2020, Duke Energy Kentucky filed its motion for rehearing and on June 4, 2020, the motion was granted in part and denied in part by the KPSC. On August 6, 2020, Duke Energy Kentucky submitted a letter to the commission submitting the case for decision without hearing. On August 6, 2020, the Kentucky Attorney General also filed a letter requesting to submit the rehearing case for decision without hearing. The Attorney General’s letter also stated that the commission’s reduction to the company’s forecasted capital in its initial order was overstated and should be corrected, resulting in an approximate $5 million increase in the company’s revenue requirement. Duke Energy Kentucky cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 6, 2020, Governor Eric Holcomb issued Executive Order No. 20-02, which by law expired in 30 days unless extended, declaring a public health disaster emergency in the state of Indiana. Subsequently, the governor issued Executive Orders Nos. 20-17, 20-25, 20-30 and 20-34, each renewing the public health disaster emergency declaration for an additional 30 days, which is currently extended through September 2, 2020. All other Executive Orders issued since March 6, 2020, (Nos. 20-04 – 20-16) were renewed for the same 30-day period, provided they were supplements to Executive Order No. 20-02. Executive Order No. 20-05 was issued on March 19, 2020, requiring utilities in the state to suspend disconnections of utility service. Duke Energy Indiana had already voluntarily suspended all disconnections and is waiving late payment fees and check return fees. The utility is also waiving credit card fees for residential customers.

On May 8, 2020, Duke Energy Indiana, along with other Indiana utilities, filed a request with the IURC for approval of deferral treatment for costs and revenue reductions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The utilities requested initial deferral approval in July 2020, with individual subdockets for each utility to be established for consideration of utility-specific cost and revenue impacts, cost recovery timing and customer payment plans. On June 29, 2020, the IURC issued an order in Phase 1 wherein it extended the disconnection moratorium for jurisdictional utilities until August 14, 2020, along with requiring six month payment arrangements, waiver of late fees, reconnection fees, convenience fees and deposits. The IURC permitted jurisdictional utilities to use regulatory accounting for any impacts associated with the prohibition on utility disconnections, waiver or exclusion of certain utility fees (i.e., late fees, convenience fees, deposits, and reconnection fees), the use of expanded payment arrangements to aid customers, and for COVID-19 related uncollectible and incremental bad debt expense. The IURC did not permit recovery of lost revenues due to load reduction or carrying costs. In Phase 2 filings, individual utilities may choose to request regulatory accounting for other COVID-19 related operation and maintenance costs wherein evidence of the impact of any costs or offsetting savings can be presented and considered in an evidentiary hearing. Duke Energy Indiana cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

On July 2, 2019, Duke Energy Indiana filed a general rate case with the IURC for a rate increase for retail customers of approximately $395 million. The rebuttal case, filed on December 4, 2019, updated the requested revenue requirement to result in a 15.6% or $396 million average retail rate increase, including the impacts of the Utility Receipts Tax. Hearings concluded on February 7, 2020. On June 29, 2020, the IURC issued the order in the rate case approving a revenue increase of $146 million before certain adjustments and ratemaking refinements. The order provided for an overall cost of capital of 5.7% based on a 9.7% return on equity and a 53% equity component of the capital structure, and approved Duke Energy Indiana’s requested forecasted rate base of $10.2 billion as of December 31, 2020, including the Edwardsport IGCC Plant. The IURC reduced Duke Energy Indiana’s request by slightly more than $200 million, when accounting for the utility receipts tax and other adjustments. Approximately 50% of the reduction is due to a prospective change in depreciation and use of regulatory asset for the end-of-life inventory at retired generating plants, approximately 20% is due to the approved 9.7% return on equity versus requested 10.4% and approximately 20% is related to miscellaneous earnings neutral adjustments. The rates were effective July 30, 2020. Several groups filed notices of appeal of the IURC order on July 29, 2020. Duke Energy Indiana cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

In Duke Energy Indiana’s rate case, the IURC approved coal ash basin closure costs expended through 2018 including financing costs as a regulatory asset and included in rate base. The IURC opened a subdocket to deal with the post-2018 coal ash related expenditures. Duke Energy Indiana filed testimony on April 15, 2020, in the coal ash subdocket requesting recovery for the post-2018 coal ash basin closure costs for plans that have been approved by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management as well as continuing deferral, with carrying costs, on the balance. An evidentiary hearing is scheduled to begin on September 14, 2020, and an order is expected in the first quarter of 2021. Duke Energy Indiana cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

On March 10, 2020, Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order No. 116 declaring a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 19, 2020, the NCUC issued on order directing that utilities under its jurisdiction suspend disconnections for nonpayment of utility bills during the state of emergency (as defined by Executive Order No. 116) and allow for customers to enter into payment arrangements to pay off arrearages accumulated during the state of emergency after the end of the state of emergency. Additionally, to help mitigate the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on their customers, on March 19, 2020, Piedmont filed a request with the NCUC seeking authorization to waive: (1) any late payment charges incurred by a residential or nonresidential customer, effective March 21, 2020; (2) the application of fees for checks returned for insufficient funds for residential and nonresidential customers; (3) the reconnection charge when a residential or nonresidential customer seeks to have service restored for those customers whose service was recently disconnected for nonpayment and to work with customers regarding the other requirements to restore service, including re-establishment of credit; and (4) the fees and charges associated with the use of credit cards or debit cards to pay residential electric utility bills, effective March 21, 2020. The NCUC granted Piedmont’s request on March 20, 2020.

On July 10, 2020, Piedmont filed a petition with the NCUC for clarification regarding when they may begin working with customers on establishing payment arrangements for arrears accumulated since March 13, 2020. On July 29, 2020, the NCUC issued its Order Lifting Disconnection Moratorium and Allowing Collection of Arrearages Pursuant to Special Repayment Plans. The order contained the following: 1) public utilities may resume customer disconnections due to nonpayment for bills first rendered on or after September 1, 2020, after appropriate notice; 2) the late fee moratorium will continue through the end of the state of emergency or until further order of the commission; 3) Duke Energy utilities may reinstate fees for checks returned for insufficient funds as well as transaction fees for use of credit cards or debit cards for bills first rendered on or after September 1, 2020; and 4) no sooner than September 1, 2020, the collection of past due or delinquent accounts accrued up to and including August 31, 2020, may proceed subject to conditions. Piedmont cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

On April 30, 2020, the ORS requested the PSCSC grant a waiver of the applicable regulations to allow customers the flexibility to obtain deferred payment plans longer than six months for past-due amounts. On May 5, 2020, Piedmont filed responsive comments stating that while utility bills will remain due, Piedmont does not plan to immediately reinstitute disconnection upon the expiration of the state of emergency and intends to work through a potential grace period as economic recovery begins. Piedmont also concurred with the observation of the ORS that reduced usage is impacting the fixed-cost recovery and revenue assumptions included in rates. Those costs include not only ongoing operational and financing costs necessary to serve customers, but also the borrowings necessary to support extended payment arrangements that will be an important part of emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. Piedmont will continue to track such costs, lost revenues and potential cost savings for future evaluation by the PSCSC.

On May 13, 2020, the ORS filed a letter with the PSCSC that included a request from Governor McMaster that utilities proceed with developing and implementing plans for phasing in normal business operations. On May 14, 2020, the PSCSC conditionally vacated the regulation waivers regarding termination of service and suspension of disconnect fees. Prior to termination, utilities are to refer past-due customers to local organizations for assistance and/or deferred payment arrangements. Piedmont filed a report on June 30, 2020, as required by PSCSC order, reporting revenue impact, costs and savings related to COVID-19 to date. Piedmont cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

On March 12, 2020, Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 14 declaring a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to help mitigate the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on their customers, on March 20, 2020, Piedmont filed a request with the TPUC seeking authorization to waive, effective March 21, 2020: (1) any late payment charges incurred by a residential or nonresidential customer; (2) the application of fees for checks returned for insufficient funds for residential and nonresidential customers; and (3) the reconnection charge when a residential or nonresidential customer seeks to have service restored for those customers whose service was recently disconnected for nonpayment and to work with customers regarding the other requirements to restore service, including re-establishment of credit. The TPUC granted Piedmont’s request by Order issued March 31,2020. The Order also stated that customers were not relieved of their obligation to pay for utility services received.

On July 2, 2020, Piedmont filed an application with the TPUC, its first general rate case in Tennessee in nine years, for a rate increase for retail customers of approximately $30 million, which represents an approximate 15% increase in annual revenues. The rate increase is driven by significant infrastructure upgrade investments since its previous rate case. Approximately half of the plant additions being added to rate base are categories of capital investment not covered under the IMR mechanism, which was approved in 2013. An evidentiary hearing is expected to be scheduled for fall 2020, and a decision and revised customer rates are expected to become effective January 1, 2021. Piedmont cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

On September 2, 2014, Duke Energy, Dominion Energy, Inc. (Dominion), Piedmont and Southern Company Gas announced the formation of Atlantic Coast Pipeline, LLC (ACP) to build and own the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP pipeline), an approximately 600-mile interstate natural gas pipeline running from West Virginia to North Carolina. The ACP pipeline was designed to meet, in part, the needs identified by Duke Energy Carolinas, Duke Energy Progress and Piedmont. Dominion would have been responsible for building and operating the ACP pipeline and holds a leading ownership percentage in ACP of 53%, following the purchase in March 2020 of Southern Company Gas' 5% ownership interest. Duke Energy owns a 47% interest, which is accounted for as an equity method investment through its Gas Utilities and Infrastructure segment.

On April 15, 2020, the United States District Court for the District of Montana granted partial summary judgment in favor of the plaintiffs in Northern Plains Resource Council v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) (Northern Plains), vacating USACE’s Nationwide Permit 12 (NWP 12) and remanding it to USACE for consultation under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. In Northern Plains, the court ruled that NWP 12 was unlawful because USACE did not consult under the ESA with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and/or National Marine Fisheries Service prior to NWP 12’s reissuance in 2017. Because NWP 12 has been vacated and its application enjoined, USACE currently has suspended verification of any new or pending applications under NWP 12 until further court action clarifies the situation.

On May 28, 2020, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued a ruling that limited the NWP 12 vacatur to energy infrastructure projects. In July 2020, the Supreme Court of the United States issued an order allowing other new oil and gas pipeline projects to use the NWP 12 process pending appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; however, that did not decrease the uncertainty associated with an eventual ruling. Together, these rulings indicated that the timeline to reinstate the necessary water crossing permits for ACP would likely cause further delays and cost increases.

As a result of the uncertainty created by the NWP 12 rulings, the potential impact on the cost and schedule for the project, the ongoing legal challenges and the risk of additional legal challenges and delays through the construction period and Dominion’s decision to sell substantially all of its gas transmission and storage segment assets, Duke Energy's Board of Directors and management decided that it was not prudent to continue to invest in the project. On July 5, 2020, Duke Energy and Dominion announced the cancellation of the ACP pipeline.

As a result, Duke Energy recorded a pretax charge to earnings of approximately $2.0 billion for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2020, within Equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated affiliates on the Duke Energy Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The tax benefit associated with this abandonment was $374 million and is recorded in Income Tax (Benefit) Expense on the Duke Energy Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Additional charges of less than $100 million are expected to be recorded within the next 12 months as ACP incurs obligations to exit operations.

The Subsidiary Registrants periodically file integrated resource plans (IRPs) with their state regulatory commissions. The IRPs provide a view of forecasted energy needs over a long term (10 to 20 years) and options being considered to meet those needs. IRPs filed by the Subsidiary Registrants included planning assumptions to potentially retire certain coal-fired generating facilities in North Carolina and Indiana earlier than their current estimated useful lives. Duke Energy continues to evaluate the potential need to retire these coal-fired generating facilities earlier than the current estimated useful lives and plans to seek regulatory recovery for amounts that would not be otherwise recovered when any of these assets are retired.

The table below contains the net carrying value of generating facilities planned for retirement or included in recent IRPs as evaluated for potential retirement. Dollar amounts in the table below are included in Net property, plant and equipment on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2020, and exclude capitalized asset retirement costs.



		Remaining Net
	Capacity	Book Value
	(in MW)	(in millions)
Duke Energy Carolinas
Allen Steam Station Units 1-3^(a)	585	$	145
Duke Energy Indiana
Gallagher Units 2 and 4^(b)	280	116
Gibson Units 1-5^(c)	3,132	1,690
Cayuga Units 1-2^(c)	1,005	953
Total Duke Energy	5,002	$	2,904