Exhibit 18

November 8, 2012

Progress Energy, Inc.

410 South Wilmington Street

Raleigh, North Carolina 27601

Dear Sirs/Madams:

At your request, we have read the description included in your Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to the Securities and Exchange Commission for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, of the facts relating to your change in the date of the annual goodwill impairment test from October 31 to August 31. We believe, on the basis of the facts so set forth and other information furnished to us by appropriate officials of the Company, that the accounting change described in your Form 10-Q is to an alternative accounting principle that is preferable under the circumstances.

We have not audited any consolidated financial statements of Progress Energy, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries as of any date or for any period subsequent to December 31, 2011. Therefore, we are unable to express, and we do not express, an opinion on the facts set forth in the above-mentioned Form 10-Q, on the related information furnished to us by officials of the Company, or on the financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of Progress Energy, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries as of any date or for any period subsequent to December 31, 2011.

Yours truly,

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina