NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's CreditWire) May 31, 2001--Standard&Poor's today affirmed its ratings on Duke Energy Corp. and certain affiliates and revised its outlook on the companies to stable from negative (see list below). The rating action concludes a review of Duke's financial performance following nearly two years of rapid business expansion by the company and Standard&Poor's determination that credit protection measures remain adequate for the single-'A'-plus corporate credit rating. The ratings on Duke reflect a consolidated credit assessment methodology incorporating its regulated U.S. electric utility operation, ownership in gas pipelines in the U.S. and abroad, nonregulated international and domestic electric generation facilities, and global energy trading and marketing activities. Duke's business risk profile is enhanced
