Media and Public Releases of Information Duke Energy's Code of Business Ethics
Duke Energy employs professionals who are trained and qualified to release information to the public.
Unauthorized and inappropriate releases of information to the public can result in violation of SEC full disclosure laws, stakeholder confusion, and damage to Duke Energy's competitive position, brand, and reputation. Only trained and authorized corporate or business unit spokespersons should provide information to the media about Duke Energy.
There are also very specific rules regarding the reporting of information to government agencies or elected officials. Only trained and qualified professionals should handle requests for information from public agencies or individuals. However, all employees are expected to cooperate fully and truthfully with regulatory and governmental investigations and proceedings, and not obstruct other employees from doing so.
Additionally, employees planning to provide information about Duke Energy to public audiences through speeches, presentations, interviews, panel discussions, articles, papers, surveys and the like should obtain prior management approval and notify communications staff.
Our Responsibilities
Duke Energy employees must:
- Forward requests for information to the appropriate department below, if communicating outside of Duke Energy is not part of your assigned responsibilities:
| Source | Refer to |
|---|---|
| Financial community | Investor Relations |
| News or trade media | Corporate Communications |
| Regulatory agencies | Legal Department |
| Elected officials | Governmental Affairs |
| Person seeking information about a current or former Duke Energy employee | Human Resources |
- Inform your supervisor immediately about any request from a government agency or individual that is outside the scope of your routine job responsibilities.
- Report any violations of law or this Code that may warrant disclosure to appropriate government authorities.
- If your personal cooperation has been requested (such as by subpoena), cooperate fully and truthfully with regulatory and governmental investigations. Failure to cooperate will result in corrective action up to and including employment termination.
Duke Energy employees planning to provide information about Duke Energy to public audiences through speeches, presentations, interviews, panel discussions, articles, papers, surveys and the like must:
- Get management approval before proceeding with public communications.
- Provide adequate advance notice to the appropriate communications staff, who will advise on the opportunity. Included are situations where employees are speaking on behalf of an industry taskforce or committee.
- Refrain from offering opinions or answering questions beyond your area of expertise.
