Advanced, carbon-free nuclear is an important part of Carolina's energy future RALEIGH, N.C., Dec. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- After a two-year review, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved Progress Energy's (NYSE: PGN) request to extend the operating license of the Harris Nuclear Plant through 2046. Carbon-free nuclear power is a part of Progress Energy's balanced solution to meet growing energy demand in the Carolinas. This balanced approach includes efficiency programs, investments in renewable technology and state-of-the-art plants. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020923/CHM008LOGO-c ) The Harris Plant began commercial operation in 1987 and has safely produced more than 142 million megawatt-hours of electricity over that time -- the equivalent of the annual usage of 10 million typical households. The plant's original license was set to expire in 2026. "Obtaining license renewal at our existing nuclear plants allows Progress Energy to ensure that safe and reliable nuclear energy continues to be a part of the energy mix we use to meet the needs of homes and businesses that depend on us," said Bill Johnson, chairman, president and CEO. "And, as we work to address concerns about global climate change, emission-free nuclear energy is the best large-scale means for making a positive difference." Progress Energy submitted its application for the extension Nov. 14, 2006. Since then, the NRC has conducted a rigorous review of the plant, including its systems, equipment and safety measures. The federal agency also completed a thorough review of the environmental impacts of license renewal, and held several open meetings to solicit public input. The Harris Plant is the third Progress Energy nuclear plant to receive a renewed operating license. In April 2004, the NRC approved the renewal of the operating license for the company's H.B. Robinson Nuclear Plant near Hartsville, S.C., through July 2030. In June 2006, the NRC approved the renewal of the operating license for the Brunswick Nuclear Plant near Southport, N.C., through 2034 and 2036 for that plant's two nuclear units. Progress Energy is planning to file for a renewed operating license for its Crystal River Nuclear Plant near Crystal River, Fla., this month. The Harris Nuclear Plant is a pressurized-water reactor capable of producing 900 megawatts of electricity. The plant is jointly owned by Progress Energy and the N.C. Eastern Municipal Power Agency. The plant employs about 600 workers and generates nearly $10 million in annual tax revenue for Wake County. "The Harris Plant and its employees have been safely and efficiently generating electricity for our customers for nearly 22 years," said Lloyd Yates, president and CEO of Progress Energy Carolinas. "We are committed to continuing our focus on safety and environmental stewardship each and every day." Progress Energy, headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., is a Fortune 250 energy company with more than 21,000 megawatts of generation capacity and $9 billion in annual revenues. The company is observing its 100th anniversary in 2008. Progress Energy includes two major utilities that serve 3.1 million customers in the Carolinas and Florida. The company is the 2006 recipient of the Edison Electric Institute's Edison Award, the industry's highest honor, in recognition of its operational excellence. The company also is the first utility to receive the prestigious J.D. Power and Associates Founder's Award for customer service. Progress Energy serves two growing areas of the country, and the company is pursuing a balanced strategy for a secure energy future. That balance includes aggressive energy efficiency programs, investments in renewable energy technologies and a state-of-the-art electricity system. For more information about Progress Energy, visit the company's Web site at http://www.progress-energy.com/. http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020923/CHM008LOGO-c http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Progress Energy CONTACT: Julia Milstead, Harris Plant Communications, +1-919-362-2160; or Rick Kimble, Progress Energy Media Line, +1-877-641-6397 Web site: http://www.progress-energy.com/

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