requirements for Duke Energy’s defined benefit pension plans; The level of credit worthiness of counterparties to Duke Energy’s transactions; Employee workforce factors, including the potential inability to attract and retain key personnel; Growth in opportunities for Duke Energy’s business units, including the timing and success of efforts to develop domestic and international power and other projects; The effect of accounting pronouncements issued periodically by accounting standardsetting bodies; and The ability to successfully complete merger, acquisition or divestiture plans.