Duke Energy Corp (DUK) Earnings: An Early Look

Interestingly, though, nat gas gluts haven’t stemmed the trend toward renewable energy development. Duke, Exelon, and NRG Energy Inc (NYSE:NRG) have all boosted their presence in the renewables space, with Duke focusing on two wind-farm projects in Texas. Even though NRG is the largest solar developer in the country, Duke has stayed in the solar business as well, with its recently finished solar farms in North Carolina expected to supply customers throughout the eastern part of the state.

The big question that investors should look for Duke to answer is how the utility expects to deal with the impact of energy-efficiency programs and consequent reductions in electricity use. To succeed, Duke needs to concentrate on keeping margins as high as possible, and switching to the most cost-efficient generation fuel will likely be a key component in Duke’s strategy going forward.

The article Duke Energy Earnings: An Early Look originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Dan Caplinger.

Fool contributor Dan Caplinger has no position in any stocks mentioned. You can follow him on Twitter @DanCaplinger. The Motley Fool recommends Exelon and Southern Company.

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