UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 4, 2013

DUKE ENERGY CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

550 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202-4200

(Address of Principal Executive Offices, including Zip code)

(704) 382-3853

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

526 South Church Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202-4200

(Address of Principal Executive Offices, including Zip code)

(704) 382-3853

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

o            Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o            Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o            Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o            Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240. 13e-4(c))

Item 8.01.   Other Events.

On February 4, 2013, Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (“Duke Energy Carolinas”) filed a rate case with the North Carolina Utilities Commission (the “NCUC”) to request an average 9.7% increase in retail revenues, or approximately $446 million, with an overall rate of return of approximately 8.45% based on approval of an 11.25% return on equity and a 53% equity component of the capital structure.  The request is premised upon a North Carolina rate base of $12.0 billion.  This rate increase is primarily driven by the incremental cost associated with Duke Energy Carolinas’ rate base, including capital investments associated with our modernization program and environmental compliance.

Hearings are expected to commence in July 2013 and, if approved by the NCUC, rates would likely go in effect in September 2013.

An overview providing additional detail on the filing is attached to this Form 8-K as Exhibit 99.1.

Item 9.01.   Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)                                 Exhibits.

99.1                        Duke Energy Carolinas Summary of Rate Case Filing in North Carolina

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

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EXHIBIT INDEX

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