Our Policies

The following information is provided to assist suppliers in understanding Duke Energy’s procedures, policies and practices that govern our supplier relationships. This outline is intended to be a general overview and not a complete summary.

Gift Giving
We are mindful of the traditional practice of many companies to give gifts to business associates during the holiday season. We understand business courtesies are designed to build goodwill and sound working relationships among business partners. However, gift giving is not necessary to maintain a positive business relationship with Duke Energy. In that spirit, we are asking our business partners to refrain from offering business courtesies to our management or employees beyond those which are customary and of nominal value.

Payment
If a Purchase Order (PO) is received to authorize goods or services, then the PO number must be reflected on the invoice to ensure proper and timely payment.

Contracts
Duke Energy prefers that all acquisitions for goods and services take place on our internal contracts. Any exceptions must be cleared through procurement and legal. Goods and services chargeable against a p-card must be supported by an executed agreement.

Quality
Duke Energy expects quality goods and services that conform to our business needs on a consistent and ongoing basis. We will audit our products and services regularly against:

  • quality
  • delivery to ensure adherence
  • price to validate competitiveness

Delivery
Adherence to agreed upon delivery dates is important. We will agree upon lead times for orders in advance and will expect delivery within that timeframe. All shipments must reflect the actual quantity ordered except where trade practices dictate otherwise. It is also the general policy of Duke Energy to pay for goods and services only after completion of delivery, except where progress payments have been agreed to up front.

Value Analysis
Our suppliers, both current and prospective, are encouraged to provide input and direction on opportunities that can reduce maintenance and operating costs. Do not hesitate to present your ideas or ask for assistance in this regard.

Warranty
We expect the suppliers to provide express warranties for all goods or services purchased or intellectual property licensed.

Return Policy
At a minimum, we expect the right to either return or reject nonconforming goods or services (or goods that proved defective) or nonperforming software and purchase or license them elsewhere, or to require the supplier to satisfactorily repair or replace any defective goods, services of software at suppliers’ expense.

Confidentiality
Because Duke Energy is continually striving to stay ahead of its competition, it is essential that discussions of any nature be held in strictest confidence. Depending on the circumstances of a discussion or relationship, a supplier may be asked to sign a formal non-disclosure agreement. Furthermore, at no time may a supplier publish any information about our use of goods or services without the prior written approval of Duke Energy via specific license agreement.

Ethics
All procurement personnel within Duke Energy and the suppliers they deal with are expected to conduct business in accordance with all applicable laws, ordinances and regulations. Furthermore, our policy states that we do not accept gratuities during the course of the year. Business meals are permitted on a limited, reciprocal basis. Please assist in adhering to this policy.

Equal Opportunity Policy
Duke Energy is an equal opportunity employer. Additionally, our procurement policy supports the use of competitive minority-owned, woman-owned, aboriginal, small-disabled and veteran-owned businesses.

Supplier Visitation
Due to the volume of solicitations Duke Energy receives, we cannot personally respond to each submission or follow-up phone call or inquiry. We do, however, appreciate your interest. We expect all suppliers to follow our procurement process.

Safety and Environmental
Safety and environmental stewardship are important aspects of the way Duke Energy performs work. We expect all of our suppliers to meet or exceed our standards in these areas. Prior to beginning work, suppliers must pass safety and environmental evaluations and show evidence of applicable training.