Duke Energy has announced the selection of three sites in Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky for its 2025 Site Readiness Program. The program is designed to prepare business and industrial properties for economic development, making them more attractive to companies seeking new locations or expansions.
Since its inception in 2010, Duke Energy’s Site Readiness Program has evaluated 42 sites across Ohio and Kentucky. According to the company, these efforts have led to commitments from 20 companies, resulting in over $2 billion in capital investments and the creation of approximately 5,400 jobs within the two states. Notable companies that have established operations on these prepared sites include Coca-Cola, Carvana, Shape Corp., and Niagara Bottling.
The selected sites for the 2025 program are Frick Family Farms in Monroe (Butler County), Union Ren Farms in Middletown (Warren County), and Commonwealth Commerce Center in Northern Kentucky (Pendleton County). Duke Energy collaborates with consultants such as Site Selection Group and local engineering firm Bayer Becker on this initiative. Partnerships also include REDI Cincinnati, BE NKY Growth Partnership, local governments, and other utilities.
Amy Spiller, president of Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky, stated: “Economic development is vital to the future growth and prosperity of our region. Our Site Readiness Program is one example of the proactive economic development initiatives that Duke Energy pursues to help spark investment in the communities we serve. We appreciate our collaboration with local partners and developers as we work to bring more jobs to the region and make Greater Cincinnati a place in which people want to work and live.”
Kimm Lauterbach, president and CEO of REDI Cincinnati, said: “Duke Energy’s Site Readiness Program not only speeds up economic development opportunities but also ensures that our communities are equipped to compete with sites that are ready to be utilized. We appreciate Duke Energy’s ongoing investment and leadership in enhancing the economy of the Cincinnati region.”
Duke Energy reports that its economic development efforts have been recognized by Site Selection magazine for 21 consecutive years as part of its annual list of “Top Utilities in Economic Development.” In 2024 alone, Duke Energy helped recruit $548 million in new capital investment along with over 1,000 jobs across Ohio and Kentucky.
Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky serves electric customers across a 3,000-square-mile area and provides natural gas service within a 2,650-square-mile area spanning both states. The parent company operates nationwide serving millions of customers with both electricity and natural gas while investing heavily in grid upgrades and cleaner energy sources.
More information about Duke Energy can be found at duke-energy.com or through their social media channels.
