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): May 13, 2013

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 May 13, 2013, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) revised the ratings outlook on Duke Energy Corporation (“Duke Energy”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Companies”) to “stable” from “negative” and affirmed Duke Energy’s BBB+ corporate credit rating and all issue ratings on the Companies at their current levels.  The outlook revision reflects S&P’s assessment that the Companies have reduced their downside risk by effectively handling the business, management and regulatory challenges that arose subsequent to the close of the merger with Progress Energy.  On July 25, 2012, S&P affirmed Duke Energy’s short-term credit rating of A-2, but lowered its corporate credit rating to BBB+ from A-, with a “negative” outlook, following the close of the merger with Progress Energy.

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities 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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