Duke Energy CEO Says Strategy Isn't Changing Under Trump

The video discusses Duke's stance on tax reform, emphasizing the importance of interest deductibility for the utility industry. It explores potential impacts on earnings and dividends due to tax changes. The discussion shifts to energy policy, focusing on coal plant retirements and carbon reduction goals. Duke's growth plans include significant investments in infrastructure and renewables, while addressing competition from small-scale solar projects. The video concludes with a look at the challenges and opportunities in the energy sector.

Why is interest deductibility crucial for Duke?

• It reduces the overall tax rate.

• It allows for immediate expensing of capital.

• It is essential for maintaining customer pricing.

• It increases the company's debt capacity.

What is Duke's stance on immediate expensing of capital?

• They support it as a primary strategy.

• They are indifferent to it.

• They see it as a trade-off for maintaining interest deductibility.

• They oppose it completely.

How does Duke plan to handle potential changes in interest deductibility?

• By increasing customer prices.

• By reducing dividends.

• By lobbying for industry-specific exemptions.

• By cutting operational costs.

What is Duke's long-term strategy regarding coal plants?

• To increase coal plant operations.

• To maintain current coal plant operations.

• To retire coal plants and focus on modernizing the generation fleet.

• To convert coal plants to nuclear plants.

What is the primary focus of Duke's $37 billion growth plan?

• Building new nuclear plants.

• Acquiring more natural gas companies.

• Investing in the electric grid.

• Expanding coal operations.

What challenge does Duke face with the Atlantic Coast Pipeline?

• Technical difficulties in construction.

• Opposition from local communities.

• Regulatory approvals and permitting processes.

• Lack of funding.

How does Duke view the integration of small-scale solar projects?

• As a reason to halt renewable investments.

• As a threat to their business model.

• As an opportunity to meet customer needs.

• As a temporary trend.