Duke Energy earns perfect score in 2018 Corporate Equality Index

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy received a perfect score of 100 percent in Human Rights Campaign's national benchmarking study that annually ranks companies on LGBT-friendly corporate practices and policies. The perfect score earned Duke Energy the distinction of "Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality."

The 2018 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) rates employers based on criteria falling under five categories, including non-discrimination policies, benefits, organizational competency and accountability around LGBT inclusion, public commitment, and citizenship. Duke Energy is one of only four companies headquartered in the Charlotte region to achieve a perfect score.

"Our communities, customers and workforce are more diverse today than ever, and so we approach diversity and inclusion as a strategy for business success, as well as the right thing to do," said LaTonya King, Duke Energy's director of diversity and inclusion. "I'm very proud of the progress we've made and will continue to make on this journey toward inclusion."

Among the policies and practices in place at Duke Energy are anti-discrimination training, equal health coverage for transgender individuals without exclusion for medically necessary care, philanthropic giving to support the LGBT community, and an employee resource group whose mission is to promote LGBT inclusion. The WeR1 (We Are One for LGBT Equality) employee resource group has about 200 members and receives support from the company's senior leadership. Read more about WeR1 on our illumination site.

To read the full CEI report, visit hrc.org.

Duke Energy

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is one of the largest energy holding companies in the United States. Its Electric Utilities and Infrastructure business unit serves approximately 7.5 million customers located in six states in the Southeast and Midwest. The company's Gas Utilities and Infrastructure business unit distributes natural gas to approximately 1.6 million customers in the Carolinas, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. Its Commercial Renewables business unit operates a growing renewable energy portfolio across the United States.

Duke Energy is a Fortune 125 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com.

The Duke Energy News Center serves as a multimedia resource for journalists and features news releases, helpful links, photos and videos. Hosted by Duke Energy, illumination is an online destination for stories about people, innovations, and community and environmental topics. It also offers glimpses into the past and insights into the future of energy.

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SOURCE Duke Energy