Duke Energy has new Ind. economic development plan

PLAINFIELD, Ind. (AP) -- Duke Energy Corp. says it's revamping its Indiana economic development program to improve opportunities for communities to attract jobs and capital investment.

Duke said Thursday that its new "Site Readiness Program" will provide funding and expertise to help communities promote industrial sites in its service territory. It says three to five projects may be selected annually and that it may invest up to $30,000 per property.

Duke Energy Indiana Community Relations and Economic Development Vice President Bart Beal says the new program is aimed at improving a community's competitive edge by providing more certainty for businesses to locate and develop projects quickly.

Duke has nearly 800,000 customers across central and southern Indiana.