v2.4.0.6

Commitments And Contingencies | 3 Months Ended
--- | ---
Mar. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract] |
Commitments And Contingencies | 5. COMMI TMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES E NVIRONMENTAL Duke Energy is subject to international, federal, state and local regulations regarding air and water quality, hazardous and solid waste disposal and other environmental matters. The Subsidiary Registrants are subject to federal, state and local regulations regarding air and water quality, hazardous and solid waste disposal and other environmental matters. These regulations can be changed from time to time, imposing new obligations on the Duke Energy Registrants. The following environmental matters impact all of the Duke Energy Registrants. Remediation Activities The Duke Energy Registrants are responsible for environmental remediation at various contaminated sites. These include some properties that are part of ongoing operations and sites formerly owned or used by Duke Energy entities. In some cases, the Duke Energy Registrants no longer own the property. These sites are in various stages of investigation, remediation and monitoring. Managed in conjunction with relevant federal, state and local agencies, activities vary with site conditions and locations, remediation requirements, complexity and sharing of responsibility. If remediation activities involve joint and several liability provisions, strict liability, or cost recovery or contribution actions, the Duke Energy Registrants could potentially be held responsible for contamination caused by other parties. In some instances, the Duke Energy Registrants may share liability associated with contamination with other potentially responsible parties, and may also benefit from insurance policies or contractual indemnities that cover some or all cleanup costs. All of these sites generally are managed as part of business or affiliate operations. The Duke Energy Registrants continually assess the nature and extent of known or potential environmental ly r elated contingencies and record liabilities when losses become probable and are reasonably estimable. The Duke Energy Registrants have accrued costs associated with remediation activities at some of their current and former sites for the stages of investigation, remediation and monitoring that can be reasonably estimated, as well as other relevant environmental contingent liabilities. At this time, t he Duke Energy Registrants cannot estimate the total costs that may be incurred in connection with the remediation of all stages of all sites because the extent of environmental impact, allocation among potentially responsible parties, remediation alternatives, and/or regulatory decisions have not yet been determined. I t is anticipated that additional costs, which could be material, associated with remediation activities at certain sites will be incurred in the future. Costs associated with remediation activities within the Duke Energy Registrants' operations are typically expensed as Operation, maintenance and other unless regulatory recovery of the costs is deemed probable. The following table contain s information regarding reserves for probable and estimable costs related to the Duke Energy Registrants' various environmental sites. These amounts are recorded in Other within Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities on the Duke Energy Registrants' Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(in millions) |  | Duke Energy |  | Duke Energy Carolinas |  | Progress Energy |  | Duke Energy Progress |  | Duke Energy Florida |  | Duke Energy Ohio |  | Duke Energy Indiana
Balance at December 31, 2011 |  | $ | 61 |  | $ | 12 |  | $ | 23 |  | $ | 11 |  | $ | 12 |  | $ | 28 |  | $ | 9
Provisions / adjustments |  |  | 4 |  |  | 1 |  |  | 5 |  |  | (1) |  |  | 6 |  |  | 2 |  |  | ―
Cash reductions |  |  | (7) |  |  | ― |  |  | (4) |  |  | (1) |  |  | (3) |  |  | (5) |  |  | ―
Balance at March 31, 2012 |  | $ | 58 |  | $ | 13 |  | $ | 24 |  | $ | 9 |  | $ | 15 |  | $ | 25 |  | $ | 9
Balance at December 31, 2012 |  | $ | 75 |  | $ | 12 |  | $ | 33 |  | $ | 14 |  | $ | 19 |  | $ | 15 |  | $ | 8
Provisions / adjustments |  |  | 2 |  |  | ― |  |  | 1 |  |  | ― |  |  | 1 |  |  | ― |  |  | ―
Cash reductions |  |  | (6) |  |  | ― |  |  | (2) |  |  | (1) |  |  | (1) |  |  | (2) |  |  | (1)
Balance at March 31, 2013 |  | $ | 71 |  | $ | 12 |  | $ | 32 |  | $ | 13 |  | $ | 19 |  | $ | 13 |  | $ | 7
The Duke Energy Registrant s could incur additional losses in excess of their recorded reserves for the stages of investigation, remediation and monitoring for their environmental sites that can be reasonably estimated at this time. The maximum amount of the range for all stages of the Duke Energy Registrant s' environmental sites cannot be determined at this time. Actual experience may differ from current estimates, and it is probable that estimates will continue to change in the future. Duke Energy Ohio has received an order from the PUCO to defer the costs incurred for probable and estimable costs related to environmental sites. Recovery of those costs is being sought in Duk e Energy Ohio's natural g as distribution rate c ase as discussed in Note 4. The additional losses in excess of their recorded reserves that the Duke Energy Registrant s' could incur for the stages of investigation, remediation and monitoring for their environmental sites that can be reasonably estimated at this time are presented in the table below.
(in millions) |  |  |  |
Duke Energy |  |  |  |  | $ | 84
Duke Energy Carolinas |  |  |  |  |  | 29
Progress Energy |  |  |  |  |  | 7
Duke Energy Progress |  |  |  |  |  | 3
Duke Energy Florida |  |  |  |  |  | 4
Duke Energy Ohio |  |  |  |  |  | 43
Duke Energy Indiana |  |  |  |  |  | 5
Clean Water Act 316(b) The EPA published its proposed cooling water intake structures rule on April 20, 2011. The proposed rule advances one main approach and three alternatives. The main approach establishes aquatic protection requirements for existing facilities that withdraw 2 million gallons or more of water per day from rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, oceans, or other U.S. waters for cooling purposes. Based on the main approach propo sed, most, if not all of the coal, natural gas and nuclear-fueled steam electric generating facilities which the Duke Energy Registrants are either a whole or partial owner are likely affected sources unless retired prior to implementation of the 316(b) requirements. The EPA plans to finalize the 316(b) rule by June 201 3. If the rule is finalized as proposed, initial submittals, station details or study plans would be due in the spring of 2014. If required, modifications to the intakes could be require d as early as mid to late 2016. Because of the wide range of potential outcomes, including the other three alternative proposals, the Duke Energy Registrants are unable to predict the outcome of the rulemaking or estimate their costs to comply at this time. Cross-St ate Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) On August 8, 2011, the final Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) was published in the Federal Register. The CSAPR established state-level annual sulfur dioxide (SO 2) budgets and annual seasonal nitrogen oxide (NO x) budgets that were to take effect on January 1, 2012. Numerous parties challenged the rule. On August 21, 2012, by a 2-1 decision, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia (D.C. Circuit) vacated the CSAPR. The c ourt also directed the EPA to continue administering the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) that the Duke Energy Registrants have been complying with since 2009, pending completion of a remand rulemaking to replace CSAPR with a valid rule. The CAIR requires additional reductions in SO 2 and NO x emissions beginning in 2015. The EPA petition ed for rehearing by the Court of Appeals, which was denied. On March 29, 2013, t he EPA petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court for review of the D.C. Circuit's decision. T he CAIR will remain in force for an unknown period of time until the EPA develops a replacement rule or the CSAPR is reinstated. The Duke Energy Registrants cannot predict the outcome of any further appeal or how a potential CSAPR replacement rule could affect future emission reduction requirements. The continued implementation of the CAIR pending the outcome of the rehearing process and a potential CSAPR replacement rulemaking will not result in the Duke Energy Registrants adding new em ission controls. C oal Combustion Residuals (CCR) On June 21, 2010, the EPA issued a proposal to regulate, under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, coal combustion residuals (CCR), a term the EPA uses to describe the coal combustion by-products associated with the generation of electricity. The EPA proposal contains two regulatory options whereby CCRs not employed in approved beneficial use applications either would be regulated as hazardous waste or would continue to be regulated as non-hazardous waste. The Duke Energy Registrants cannot predict the outcome of this rulemaking. The EPA has stated that it may be 2014 before it finalizes the regulation. Steam Electric Effluent Limitation Guidelines On April 19, 2013, the EPA Acting Administrator signed the proposed revisions to the Steam Electric Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELG). The proposal is expected to be published in the Federal Regist er in early May 2013 with comments due in July 2013. T he EPA is under a court order to complete a final rule by May 22, 2014. The EPA has proposed eight different options for the rule, which vary in stringency and cost. The proposal would regulate seven waste streams, including wastewater from air pollution control equipment and ash transport wat er from sluicing ash to ponds. The ELG proposed rule would be applicable to all steam electric generating units, including most, if not all of the coal, natural gas and nuclear-fueled generating facilities which the Duke Energy Registrants are either a whole or partial owner. Co mpliance is proposed as soon as possible after July 1, 2017, but may extend until July 1, 2022. Duke Energy i s still evaluating the proposal. G iven the number of options and the long compliance term, the Duke Energy Registrants are unable to determine the ultimate impact of the final rule, but the impact could be significant. Mercury a nd Air Toxics Standards (MATS) The final Mercury and Air Toxics Standards rule, previously refer red to as the Utility MACT Rule, was published in the Federal Register on February 16, 2012. The final rule establishes emission limit s for hazardous air pollutants from new and existing coal-fired and oil-fired steam electric generating units. The rule requires sources to comply with the emission limits by April 16, 2015. Under the Clean Air Act (CAA), permitting authorities have the discretion to grant up to a one-year compliance extension, on a case-by-case basis, to sources that are unable to complete the installation of emission controls before the compliance deadline. The Duke Energy Registrants continue to develop and implement strategies f or complying with the rule's requirements. Strategies to achieve compliance with the final MATS rules could include install i ng new or upgrad ing existing air emission control equipment, develop ing monitoring processes, fuel switching and accelerat ing retirement of some coal-fired electric-generating units. For add itional information, refer to Note 4 regarding potential plant retirements. Numerous petitions for review of the final MATS rule have been filed with the D.C. Circuit. Briefing in the case has been completed. O ral arguments have not been scheduled. The Duke Energy Registrants cannot predict the outcome of the litigation or how it might affect the MATS requirements as they apply to the Duke Energy Registrants. Refer to the table in “Estimated Cost and Impacts of EPA Rulemakings” below for a summary of the cost to the Duke Energy Regis trants to comply with the proposed MATS regulations, which will be material. Greenhouse Gas New Sour ce Performance Standards (NSPS) On April 13, 2012, the EPA published in the Federal Register its proposed rule to establish carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions standards for pulverized coal, IGCC, and natural gas combined cycle electric generating units that are permitted and constructed in the future. The proposal would not apply to any of the Duke Energy Registrants' coal, including IGCC, and natural gas electric generation plants that are currently under construction or in operation. However, a ny future pulverized coal and IGCC units will have to employ carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology to meet the CO 2 emission standard the EPA has proposed. The proposed standard will not require n ew natural gas combined cycle facilities to install CCS technology. The EPA was due to issue the final rule by April 13, 2013, however, the final rule has not been issued and the EPA has stated publicly that more time is needed to complete the rulemaking. No timetable has been set. Management does not expect any material impact on the Duke Energy Registrants' future results of operations or cash flows based on the EPA's proposal. The final rule, however, could be significantly different from the proposal. It is not known when the EPA might finalize the rule. Estimated Cost and Impacts of EPA Rulemakings While the ultimate compliance requirements for the Duke Energy Registrants for MATS, Clean Water Act 316(b), ELG and CCR will not be known until all the rules have been finalized, for planning purposes, the Duke Energy Registrants currently estimate that the cost of new control equipment that may need to be installed on existing power plants to comply with EPA regulations could total $5 billion to $6 billion, excluding AFUDC, over the next 10 years. This range includes estimated costs for new control equipment necessary to comply with the MAT S, which is the only rule that has been finalized, as shown in the table below:
(in millions) |  |  |  |
Duke Energy | $ | 650 |  | to | $ | 800
Duke Energy Carolinas |  | 65 |  | to |  | 85
Progress Energy |  | 7 |  | to |  | 30
Duke Energy Progress |  | 5 |  | to |  | 10
Duke Energy Florida |  | 2 |  | to |  | 20
Duke Energy Ohio |  | 40 |  | to |  | 85
Duke Energy Indiana |  | 540 |  | to |  | 600
The Duke Energy Registrants also expect to incur increased fuel, purchased power, operation and maintenance, and other expenses in conjunction with these EPA regulations, and also expect to incur costs for replacement generation for potential coal-fired power plant retirements. Until the final regulatory requirements of the group of EPA regulations are known and can be fully evaluated, the potential compliance costs associated with these EPA regulatory actions are subject to considerable uncertainty. Therefore, the actual compliance costs incurred may be materially different from these estimates based on the timing and requirements of the final EPA regulations. The Duke Energy Registrants intend to seek regulatory recovery of amounts incurred associated with regulated operations in complying with these regulations. Refer to Note 4 for further information regarding potential plant retirements and regulatory filings related to the Duke Energy Registrants. L ITIGATION Duke Energy Progress Energy Merger Shareholder Litigation On July 20, 2012, Duke Energy was served with a shareholder Derivative Complaint filed in the Delaware Chancery Court (Rupp v. Rogers, et al.). The lawsuit names as def endants J ames E. Rogers and the ten other members of the Duke Energy b oard of d irectors who were also members of the pre-merger D uke Energy board of directors (Legacy Duke Energy Directors). Duke Energy is named as a nominal defendant. Raul v. Rogers, also filed in Delaware Chancery Court was consolidated with the Rupp case on September 24, 2012. Two shareholders, each of who m previously made separate Section 220 demands to inspect various Duke Energy books and records, filed derivative cases against J ames E. Rogers and the Legacy Duke Energy Directors. The Gerber v Rogers, et al. lawsuit was filed on December 5, 2012, and the Reilly v. Rogers, et al. lawsuit was filed on January 8, 2013. Each of t he lawsuit s allege s claims for breach of fiduciary duties of loyalty and care by the defendants in connection with the post-merger change in CEO. On August 3, 2012, Duke Energy was served with a shareholder Derivative Complaint, which has been transferred to the North Carolina Business Court (Krieger v. Johnson, et al.). The lawsuit names as defendants, William D. Johnson, J ames E. Rogers and the Legacy Duke Energy Directors. Duke Energy is named as a nominal defen dant. The lawsuit allege s claims for breach of fiduciary duty in granting excessive compensation to Mr. Johnson. A hearing on the defendants' motion to dismiss was held on January 22, 2013. A decision on the motion made by M r. Rogers and the Legacy Duke Energy Directors remains pending. Duke Energy has been served with two shareholder Derivative Complaints, filed in federal district court in Delaware. The plaintiffs in Tansey v. Rogers, et al., served on August 17, 2012, and Pinchuck v. Rogers, et al., served on October 31, 2012, allege claims for breach of fiduciary duty and waste of corporate assets, as well as claims under Section 14(a) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act against the Legacy Duke Energy Directors. Duke Energy is n amed as a nominal defendant. On December 18, 2012, the defendants filed a motion to stay the case. A hearing on the various motions to (i) stay the litigation pending a resolution of the North Carolina securities case noted below; (ii) to appoint a lead plaintiff and a lead law firm; and (iii) to consolidate the two cases was held on May 2, 2013. Duke Energy was also served in July 2012 with three purported securities class action lawsuits. These three cases (Craig v. Duke Energy Corporation, et al.; Nieman v. Duke Energy Corporation, et al.; and Sunner v. Duke Energy Corporation, et al.), have been consolidated in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. The p laintiff filed a Corrected Consolidated Complaint on January 28, 2013, alleging federal Securities Act and Exchange Act claims based on allegedly materially false and misleading representations and omissions made in the Registration Statement filed on July 7, 2011, and subsequently incorporated into other documents, all in connection with the post-merger change in CEO. The Corrected Consolidated Complaint names as defendants the Legacy Duke Energy Directors and certain officers of the company. The claims are purportedly brought on behalf of a class of all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired Duke Energy securities between June 11, 2012 and July 9, 2012. The Defendant's motion to dismiss the Consolidated Complaint was filed April 2, 2013. It is not possible to predict whether Duke Energy will incur any liability or to estimate the damages, if any, that Duke Energy might incur in connection with these lawsuits. Additional lawsuits may be filed. Alaskan Global Warming Lawsuit On February 26, 2008, plaintiffs, the governing bodies of an Inupiat village in Alaska, filed suit in the U.S. Federal Court for the Northern District of California against Peabody Coal and various oil and power company defendants, including Duke Energy and certain of its subsidiaries. Plaintiffs brought the action on their own behalf and on behalf of the village's 400 residents. The lawsuit alleges that defendants' emissions of CO 2 contributed to global warming and constitute a private and public nuisance. Plaintiffs also allege that certain defendants, including Duke Energy, conspired to mislead the public with respect to global warming. The p laintiffs in the case have requested damages in the range of $95 million to $400 million related to the cost of relocating the Village of Kivalina. On June 30, 2008, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss on jurisdictional grounds, together with a motion to dismiss th e conspiracy claims. On October 15, 2009, the District Court granted defendants' motion to dismiss. The plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit held a rgument in the case on November 28, 2011. On September 21, 2012, the Court of Appeals ruled that the case could not proceed, affirming the District Court's motion to dismiss. The Plaintiffs have filed a motion for rehearing en banc by the Court of Appeals, which was denied on November 27, 2012. A Petition for Certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court was filed on February 25, 2013. Although Duke Energy believes the likelihood of loss is remote based on current case law, i t is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of this matter. Price Reporting Cases A total of five lawsuits were filed against Duke Energy affiliates and other energy companies and remain pending in a consolidated, single federal court proceeding in Nevada. Each of these cases contains similar claims, that the respective plaintiffs, and the classes they claim to represent, were harmed by the defendants' alleged manipulation of the natural gas markets by various means, including providing false information to natural gas trade publications and entering into unlawful arrangements and agreements in violation of the antitrust laws of the respective states. Plaintiffs seek damages in unspecified amounts. In November 2009, the judge granted defendants' motion for reconsideration of the denial of defendants' summary judgment motion in two of the remaining five cases to which Duke Energy affiliates are a party. A hearing on that motion occurred on July 15, 2011, and on July 19, 2011, the judge granted the motion for summary judgment. The Plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals), which held argument on October 19, 2012. On April 10, 2013, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the lower Court's decision, and returned the case to the same Court for further proceedings. It is not possible to predict whether Duke Energy will incur any liability or to estimate the damages, if any, that Duke Energy might incur in connection with the remaining matters. However, based on Duke Energy's past experiences with similar cases of this nature, it does not believe its exposure under these remaining matters is material. Crescent Litigation On September 3, 2010, the Crescent Resources Litigation Trust filed suit against Duke Energy along with various affiliates and several individuals, including current and former employees of Duke Energy, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas. The case was subsequently transferred to the United States District Court in Austin, Texas. The Crescent Resources Litigation Trust was established in May 2010 pursuant to the plan of reorganization approved in the Crescent bankrup tcy proceedings. The complaint alleges that in 2006 the defendants caused Crescent to borrow approximately $1.2 billion and immediately thereafter distribute most of the loan proceeds to Crescent's parent company without benefit to Crescent. The complaint further alleges that Crescent was rendered insolvent by the transactions, and that the distribution is subject to recovery by the Crescent bankruptcy estate as an alleged fraudulent transfer. The plaintiff requests return of the funds, plus interest, as well as other statutory and equitable relief, punitive damages and attorneys' fees. Duke Energy and its affiliated defendants believe that the referenced 2006 transactions were legitimate and did not violate any state or federal law. The Defendants motions to dismiss were denied. The Defendants also filed a motion to strike the Plaintiff's jury demand, which was denied on May 2, 2013. Trial on this matter has been set to commence in January 2014. Mediation, held on August 21 and 22, 2012, was unsuccessful. It is not possible to predict whether Duke Energy will incur any liability or to estimate the damages, if any, that Duke Energy might incur i n connection with this lawsuit. The ultimate resolution of this matter could have a material effect on the results of operations, cash flows or financial position of Duke Energy. Brazil Expansion Lawsuit On August 9, 2011, the State of São Paulo filed a lawsuit in Brazilian state court against Duke Energy International Geracao Paranapenema S.A. (DEIGP) based upon a claim that DEIGP is under a continuing obligation to expand installed generation capacity in the State of São Paulo by 15 percent pursuant to a stock purchase agreement under which DEIGP purchased generation assets from the state. On August 10, 2011, a judge granted an ex parte injunction ordering DEIGP to present a detailed expansion plan in satisfaction of the 15 percent obligation. DEIGP has previously taken a position that the 15 percent expansion obligation is no longer viable given the changes that have occurred in the electric energy sector since privatization of that sector. After filing various objections, defenses and appeals regarding the referenced order, DEIGP submitted its proposed expansion plan on November 11, 2011, but reserved its objections regarding enforceability. The parties will in due course present evidence to the court regarding their respective positions. No trial date has been set. Duke Energy Carolinas New Source Review (NSR) In 1999-2000, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), acting on behalf of the EPA and joined by various citizen groups and states, filed a number of complaints and notices of violation against multiple utilities across the country for alleged violations of the NSR provisions of the CAA. Generally, the government alleges that projects performed at various coal-fired units were major modifications, as defined in the CAA, and that the utilities violated the CAA when they undertook those projects without obtaining permits and installing the best available emission controls for SO 2, NO x and particulate matter. The complaints seek injunctive relief to require installation of pollution control technology on various generating units that allegedly violated the CAA, and unspecified civil penalties in amounts of up to $3 7,500 per day for each violation. A number of Duke Energy Carolina s' plants have been subject to these allegations. Duke Energy Carolinas asserts that there were no CAA violations because the applicable regulations do not require permitting in cases where the projects undertaken are “routine” or otherwise do not result in a net increase in emissions. In 2000, the government brought a lawsuit against Duke Energy Carolinas in the U.S. District Court in Greensboro, North Carolina. The EPA claims that 29 projects performed at 25 of Duke Energy Carolinas' coal-fired units violate these NSR provisions. Three environmental groups have intervened in the case. In August 2003, the trial court issued a summary judgment opinion adopting Duke Energy Carolinas' legal positions on the standard to be used for measuring an increase in emissions, and granted judgment in favor of Duke Energy Carolinas. The trial court's decision was appealed and ultimately reversed and remanded for trial by the U.S. Supreme Court. At trial, Duke Energy Carolinas will continue to assert that the projects were routine or not projected to increase emissions. The parties have filed a stipulation in which the United States and Plaintiff-Intervenors have dismissed with prejudice 16 claims. In exchange, Duke Energy Carolinas dismissed certain affirmative defenses. The parties have filed motions for summary judgment on the remaining claims. No trial date has been set. It is not possible to estimate the damages, if any, that might be incurred in connection with the unresolved matters related to Duke Energy Carolinas discussed above. Ultimate resolution of these matters could have a material effect on the results of operations, cash flows or financial position of Duke Energy Carolinas. However, the appropriate regulatory treatment will be pursued for any costs incurred in connection with such resolution. Asbestos-related Injuries and Damages Claims Duke Energy Carolinas has experienced numerous claims for indemnification and medical cost reimbursement relating to damages for bodily injuries alleged to have arisen from the exposure to or use of asbestos in connection with construction and maintenance activities conducted on its electric generation plants prior to 1985. As of March 31, 2013, there were 99 asserted claims for non-malignant cases with the cumulative relief sought of up to $18 million, and 4 6 asserted claims for malignant cases with the cumulative relief sought of up to $15 million. Based on Duke Energy Carolinas' experience, it is expected that the ultimate resolution of most of these claims likely will be less than the amount claimed. Amounts recognized as asbestos-related reserves related to Duke Energy Carolinas in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets totaled $743 million and $75 1 million as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, and are classified in Other within Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities and Other within Current Liabilities. These reserves are based upon the minimum amount in Duke Energy Carolinas' best estimate of the range of loss for current and future asbestos claims through 2030. Management believes that it is possible there will be additional claims filed against Duke Energy Carolinas after 2030. In light of the uncertainties inherent in a longer-term forecast, management does not believe that they can reasonably estimate the indemnity and medical costs that might be incurred after 2030 related to such potential claims. Asbestos-related loss estimates incorporate anticipated inflation, if applicable, and are recorded on an undiscounted basis. These reserves are based upon current estimates and are subject to greater uncertainty as the projection period lengthens. A significant upward or downward trend in the number of claims filed, the nature of the alleged injury, and the average cost of resolving each such claim could change our estimated liability, as could any substantial or favorable verdict at trial. A federal legislative solution, further state tort reform or structured settlement transactions could also change the estimated liability. Given the uncertainties associated with projecting matters into the future and numerous other factors outside our control, management believes that it is possible Duke Energy Carolinas may incur asbestos liabilities in excess of the recorded reserves. Duke Energy Carolinas has a third-party insurance policy to cover certain losses related to asbestos-related injuries and damages above an aggregate self-insured retention of $476 million. Duke Energy Carolinas' cumulative payments began to exceed the self-insurance retention on its insurance policy in 2008. Future payments up to the policy limit will be reimbursed by Duke Energy Carolinas' third party insurance carrier. The insurance policy limit for potential future insurance recoveries for indemnification and medical cost claim payments is $935 million in excess of the self-insured retention. Insurance recoveries of $781 million related to this policy are classified in the respective Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets in Other within Investments and Other Assets and Receivables as of both March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Duke Energy Carolinas is not aware of any uncertainties regarding the legal sufficiency of insurance claims. Management believes the insurance recovery asset is probable of recovery as the insurance carrier continues to have a str ong financial strength rating. Progress Energy Synthetic Fuels Matters In October 2009, a jury delivered a verdict in a lawsuit against Progress Energy and a number of its subsidiaries and affiliates arising out of an Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of October 19, 1999, and amended as of August 23, 2000 (the Asset Purchase Agreement) by and among U.S. Global, LLC (Global); Earthco synthetic fuels facilities (Earthco); certain affiliates of Earthco; EFC Synfuel LLC (which was owned indirectly by Progress Energy) and certain of its affiliates (collectively, the Progress Affiliates). In a case filed in the Circuit Cour t for Broward County, Florida. I n March 2003 (the Florida Global Case), Global requested an unspecified amount of compensatory damages, as well as declaratory relief. Global asserted (i) that pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, it was entitled to an interest in two synthetic fuels facilities previously owned by the Progress Affiliates and an option to purchase additional interests in the two synthetic fuels facilities and (ii) that it was entitled to damages because the Progress Affiliates prohibited it from procuring purchasers for the synthetic fuels facilities. As a result of the 2007 expiration of the Internal Revenue Code Section 29 tax credit program, all of Progress Energy's synthetic fuels businesses were abandoned and the synthetic fuels businesses were reclassified as discontinued operations. In November 2009, the court ruled in favor of Global. In December 2009, Progress Energy appealed the Broward County judgment to the Florida Fourth District Court of Appeals. Also, in December 2009, Progress Energy made a $154 million payment, which represented payment of the total judgment, including prejudgment interest, and a required premium equivalent to two years of interest, to the Broward County Clerk of Court bond account. Progress Energy continued to accrue interest related to this judgment. On October 3, 2012, the Florida Fourth District Court of Appeals reversed the lower court ruling and directed a verdict on damages under a separate Commission and Services Agreement, which was modified by the court's December 12, 2012 ruling on Global's motion for reconsideration. The court held that Global was entitled to approximately $90 million of the amount paid into the registry of the court. Progress Energy was entitled to a refund of the remainder of the funds. Progress Energy received and recorded a $63 million pre-tax gain for the refund in December 2012. The gain was recorded in Income from Discontinued O perations, net of tax in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The case was remanded to the trial court to determine whether specific performance is an appropriate remedy for the claims under the Asset Purchase Agreement. The plaintiff seeks specific performance of an award of the corporate interests in the Progress Affiliates it claims it was entitled to receive under the Asset Purchase Agreement as of the date the jury determined the breach of contract occurred (March 19, 2002). The Progress Affiliates contend that specific performance is an inapplicable remedy. A hearing on Global's motion was held on April 19, 2013. It is not possible to predict whether Duke Energy will incur any liability or to estimate the damages, if any, that Progress Energy might incur in connection with this lawsuit. In a second suit filed in the Superior Court for Wake County, N.C., Progress Synfuel Holdings, Inc. et al. v. U.S. Global, LLC (the North Carolina Global Case), the Progress Affiliates seek declaratory relief consistent with our interpretation of the Asset Purchase Agreement. Global was served with the North Carolina Global Case on April 17, 2003. In May 2003, Global moved to dismiss the North Carolina Global Case for lack of personal jurisdiction over Global. In the alternative, Global requested that the court decline to exercise its discretion to hear the Progress Affiliates' declaratory judgment action. In August 2003, the Wake County Superior Court denied Global's motion to dismiss, but stayed the North Carolina Global Case, pending the outcome of the Florida Global Case. The Progress Affiliates appealed the superior court's order staying the case. By order dated September 7, 2004, the North Carolina Court of Appeals dismissed the Progress Affiliates' appeal. Based upon the verdict in the Florida Global Case, Progress Energy anticipates dismissal of the North Carolina Global Case. Duke Energy Progress and Duke Energy Florida Spent Nuclear Fuel Matters The Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (as amended) (NWPA) provides the framework for development by the federal government of interim storage and permanent disposal facilities for high-level radioactive waste materials. The DOE is responsible for the selection and construction of a facility for the permanent disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. Pursuant to the NWPA, Duke Energy Progress and Duke Energy Florida entered into contracts with the DOE under which the DOE agreed to begin taking spent nuclear fuel by no later than January 31, 1998. All similarly situated utilities were required to sign the same Standard Contract for Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel. The DOE failed to begin taking spent nuclear fuel by January 31, 1998. In January 2004, Duke Energy Progress and Duke Energy Florida filed a complaint in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims against the United States, claiming that the DOE breached the standard contract and asserting damages incurred through 2005 for storing spent nuclear fuel at their nuclear sites (Phase I litigation). In 2011, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims issued a ruling to award Duke Energy Progress substantially all its asserted damages. As a result, Duke Energy Progress recorded the award as an offset for past spent fuel storage costs incurred. On December 12, 2011, Duke Energy Progress and Duke Energy Florida filed a second complaint in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims against the United States, claiming damages incurred from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2010. The damages stem from the same breach of contract asserted in the previous litigation. On March 23, 2012, Duke Energy Progress and Duke Energy Florida filed their initial disclosure of $113 million of damages with the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and the DOE, of which $90 million was attributable to Duke Energy Progress and $23 million was attributable to Duke Energy Florida. The total amount of damages could change during discovery, which is scheduled to end on May 31, 2013. Duke Energy Progress and Duke Energy Florida may file subsequent damage claims as they incur additional costs. Duke Energy Progress and Duke Energy Florida cannot predict the outcome of this matter. Duke Energy Ohio Antitrust Lawsuit In January 2008, four plaintiffs, including individual, industrial and nonprofit customers, filed a lawsuit against Duke Energy Ohio in federal court in the Southern District of Ohio. Plaintiffs alleged that Duke Energy Ohio (then The Cincinnati Gas & Electric Company), conspired to provide inequitable and unfair price advantages for certain large business consumers by entering into non-public option agreements with such consumers in exchange for their withdrawal of challenges to Duke Energy Ohio's pending Rate Stabilization Plan (RSP), which was implemented in early 2005. On March 31, 2009, the District Court granted Duke Energy Ohio's motion to dismiss. Plaintiffs filed a motion to alter or set aside the judgment, which was denied by an order dated March 31, 2010. In April 2010, the plaintiffs filed their appeal of that order with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, which heard argument on that appeal on January 11, 2012. On June 4, 2012, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the district court's decision and remanded the matter on all claims for trial on the merits and on July 25, 2012, the Court denied Duke Energy Ohio's petition for an en banc review of the case. O n October 15, 2012, Duke Energy filed a petition for certiorari to the United States Supreme Court, which was denied on January 14, 2013. Mediations held in December 2012 and March 2013 were unsuccessful. The plaintiffs' last mediation demand was for $99 million. It is not possible to predict at this time whether Duke Energy Ohio will incur any liability or to est imate the damages, if any, that may be incur red in connection with this lawsuit. Asbestos-related Injuries and Damages Claims Duke Energy Ohio has been named as a defendant or co-defendant in lawsuits related to asbestos at its electric generating stations. The impact on Duke Energy Ohio's results of operations, cash flows or financial position of these cases to date has not been material. Based on estimates under varying assumptions concerning uncertainties, such as, among others: (i) the number of contractors potentially exposed to asbestos during construction or maintenance of Duke Energy Ohio generating plants; (ii) the possible incidence of various illnesses among exposed workers, and (iii) the potential settlement costs without federal or other legislation that addresses asbestos tort actions, Duke Energy Ohio estimates that the range of reasonably possible exposure in existing and future suits over the foreseeable future is not material. This estimated range of exposure may change as additional settlements occur and claims are made and more case law is established. Other Litigation and Legal Proceedings The Duke Energy Registrants are involved in other legal, tax and regulatory proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, some of which involve substantial amounts. Management believes that the final disposition of these proceedings will not have a material effect on its results of operations, cash flows or financial position. The Duke Energy Registrants expense legal costs related to the defense of loss contingencies as incurred. The Duke Energy Registrants have exposure to certain legal matters that are described herein. The Duke Energy Registrants ha ve recorded reserves for these proceedings and exposures as presented in the table below. These reserves represent management's best estimate of probable loss as defined in the accounting guidance for contingencies. The estimated reasonably possible range of loss for non-asbestos related matters in excess of the recorded reserves is not material. Duke Energy Carolinas has insurance coverage for certain of these losses incurred as presented in the table below.
(in millions) |  | March 31, 2013 |  | December 31, 2012
Reserves for Legal and Other Matters(a) |  |  |  |  |  |
Duke Energy(b) |  | $ | 834 |  | $ | 846
Duke Energy Carolinas(b) |  |  | 743 |  |  | 751
Progress Energy |  |  | 75 |  |  | 79
Duke Energy Progress |  |  | 11 |  |  | 12
Duke Energy Florida(c) |  |  | 44 |  |  | 47
Duke Energy Indiana |  |  | 7 |  |  | 8
Probable Insurance Recoveries(d) |  |  |  |  |  |
Duke Energy(e) |  | $ | 781 |  | $ | 781
Duke Energy Carolinas(e) |  |  | 781 |  |  | 781
(a) | Reserves are classified in the respective Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets in Other within Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities and Other within Current Liabilities.
(b) | Includes reserves for aforementioned asbestos-related injuries and damages claims.
(c) | Includes workers' compensation claims.
(d) | Insurance recoveries are classified in the respective Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets in Other within Investments and Other Assets and Receivables.
(e) | Relates to recoveries associated with aforementioned asbestos-related injuries and damages claims.
OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES General As part of its normal business, the Duke Energy Registrants are a party to various financial guarantees, performance guarantees and other contractual commitments to extend guarantees of credit and other assistance to various subsidiaries, investees and other third parties. To varying degrees, these guarantees involve elements of performance and credit risk, which are not included on the respective Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The possibility of any of the Duke Energy Registrants having to honor their contingencies is largely dependent upon future operations of various subsidiaries, investees and other third parties, or the occurrence of certain future events. In addition, the Duke Energy Registrants enter into various fixed-price, non-cancelable commitments to purchase or sell power (tolling arrangements or power purchase contracts), take-or-pay arrangements, transportation or throughput agreements and other contracts that may or may not be recognized on the ir respective Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Some of these arrangements may be recognized a t fair value on the respective Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets if such contracts meet the definition of a derivative and the Normal purchase/n ormal sale (N PNS) exception does not apply. In most cases, the Duke Energy Registrants purchase obligation contracts contain provisions for price adjustments, minimum purchase levels and other financial commitments.

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 460 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6398077&loc=d3e12565-110249 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 450 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14435-108349 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Interpretation (FIN) -Number 14 -Paragraph 3 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 440 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25287-109308 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 825 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 5 -Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | nonnum:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration