# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0000030371
**File Stem:** 0001104659-26-070990
**Filing Date:** 2026-6
**Character Count:** 264416
**Document Hash:** 54d19dd5a99fc966f0f429f52bfab8ec
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001104659-26-070990.hdr.sgml**: 20260605

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001104659-26-070990

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 8-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 14

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20260605

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Other Events

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Financial Statements and Exhibits

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260605

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260605

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000030371
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** ELECTRIC SERVICES [4911]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 01 Energy & Transportation
- **EIN:** 560205520
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** NC
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 8-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-04928
- **FILM NUMBER:** 261069414

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 525 SOUTH TRYON STREET
- **CITY:** CHARLOTTE
- **STATE:** NC
- **ZIP:** 28202
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 800-488-3853

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 525 SOUTH TRYON STREET
- **CITY:** CHARLOTTE
- **STATE:** NC
- **ZIP:** 28202

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** Duke Power CO LLC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20060403

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** DUKE ENERGY CORP
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19970618

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** DUKE POWER CO /NC/
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19920703

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'?

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**Washington, D.C. 20549**

**FORM 8-K**

**CURRENT REPORT**

**Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the**

**Securities Exchange Act of 1934**

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): **June 5, 2026**

**DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC**

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **North Carolina**<br> (State or Other Jurisdiction<br> of Incorporation or<br> Organization) | **1-04928**<br> (Commission File Number) | **56-0205520**<br> (IRS Employer<br> Identification No.) |

---

**525 South Tryon Street**

**Charlotte, North Carolina 28202-1803**

(Address of Principal Executive Offices, including Zip Code)

**(800) 488-3853**

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

◻ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

◻ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

◻ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

◻ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Title of each class:** | **Trading Symbol(s):** | **Name of each exchange on which registered:** |

---

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

◻&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Emerging growth company

◻&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 8.01.** | **Other Events.** |

---

On June 5, 2026, Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (the "Company") consummated the issuance and sale of the securities described below pursuant to an underwriting agreement, dated June 2, 2026 (the "Underwriting Agreement"), with CIBC World Markets Corp., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, PNC Capital Markets LLC, RBC Capital Markets, LLC, SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc., TD Securities (USA) LLC, Truist Securities, Inc. and U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc., as representatives of the several underwriters named therein (the "Underwriters"), pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell to the Underwriters $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company's First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 4.65% Series due 2031, $1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company's First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 5.15% Series due 2036 and $1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company's First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 5.75% Series due 2056 (collectively, the "Mortgage Bonds"). The Mortgage Bonds were sold to the Underwriters at discounts to their principal amounts. The Mortgage Bonds were issued under the First and Refunding Mortgage, dated as of December 1, 1927, as amended and supplemented from time to time, including by the One-Hundred and Thirteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 5, 2026 (the "One-Hundred and Thirteenth Supplemental Indenture"), relating to the Mortgage Bonds, each between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (as so amended and supplemented, the "Mortgage"). The disclosure in this Item 8.01 is qualified in its entirety by the provisions of the Mortgage, including the One-Hundred and Thirteenth Supplemental Indenture which together with the forms of global bonds evidencing the Mortgage Bonds, is filed as Exhibit 4.1 hereto, and the Underwriting Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 99.1 hereto. Such exhibits are incorporated herein by reference. Also, in connection with the issuance and sale of the Mortgage Bonds, the Company is filing a legal opinion regarding the validity of the Mortgage Bonds as Exhibit 5.1 to this Form 8-K for the purpose of incorporating the opinion into the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3, as amended (No. 333-290475-05).

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 9.01.** | **Financial Statements and Exhibits.** |

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(d)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exhibits

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit** | **Description** |
| [Exhibit 4.1](tm2615837d4_ex4-1.htm) | [One-Hundred and Thirteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 5, 2026 between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, and forms of global bonds representing the First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 4.65% Series due 2031, First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 5.15% Series due 2036 and First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 5.75% Series due 2056](tm2615837d4_ex4-1.htm) |
| [Exhibit 5.1](tm2615837d4_ex5-1.htm) | [Opinion regarding validity of the Mortgage Bonds](tm2615837d4_ex5-1.htm) |
| [Exhibit 23.1](tm2615837d4_ex5-1.htm) | [Consent (included as part of Exhibit 5.1)](tm2615837d4_ex5-1.htm) |
| [Exhibit 99.1](tm2615837d4_ex99-1.htm) | [Underwriting Agreement, dated June 2, 2026, among the Company and CIBC World Markets Corp., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, PNC Capital Markets LLC, RBC Capital Markets, LLC, SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc., TD Securities (USA) LLC, Truist Securities, Inc. and U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc., as representatives of the several underwriters named therein](tm2615837d4_ex99-1.htm) |
| Exhibit 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within Inline XBRL document. |

---

**SIGNATURE**

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC** | **DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC** | **DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC** |
| Date: June 5, 2026 |  |  |  |
|  | By: | /s/ Elizabeth Jones | /s/ Elizabeth Jones |
|  |  | Name: | Elizabeth Jones |
|  |  | Title: | Assistant Secretary |

---

## Exhibit 4.1

**Exhibit 4.1**

------

**DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC**

**TO**

**THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., Trustee**

**ONE-HUNDRED AND THIRTEENTH SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE**

**Dated as of June 5, 2026**

**CREATING THREE SERIES OF FIRST AND REFUNDING**

**MORTGAGE BONDS**

**$400,000,000 FIRST AND REFUNDING MORTGAGE BONDS, 4.65% SERIES DUE 2031**

**$1,000,000,000 FIRST AND REFUNDING MORTGAGE BONDS, 5.15% SERIES DUE 2036**

**$1,000,000,000 FIRST AND REFUNDING MORTGAGE BONDS, 5.75% SERIES DUE 2056**

**SUPPLEMENTAL TO**

**FIRST AND REFUNDING MORTGAGE<br> DATED AS OF December 1, 1927**

Drawn By and Return To:

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP<br> 200 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10166

Attention: Brendan P. Harney

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, bearing date as of the 5th day of June, 2026, made and entered into by and between Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, a limited liability company duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of North Carolina, hereinafter called the "Company", party of the first part, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (formerly known as The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A.), a national banking association, having a corporate trust office at 4655 Salisbury Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, Florida 32256, hereinafter called the "Trustee", as Trustee, party of the second part. The Trustee is the successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (formerly known as The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as Chemical Bank (successor to Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York)), as Trustee.

WHEREAS the Company's predecessor is Duke Energy Corporation (formerly known as Duke Power Company), a corporation organized under the laws of the State of North Carolina, which converted its form of organization on April 3, 2006 from a North Carolina corporation to a North Carolina limited liability company named "Duke Power Company LLC," which changed its name to Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC on October 1, 2006; and

WHEREAS Duke Power Company, a New Jersey corporation, hereinafter called the "New Jersey Company", duly executed and delivered its First and Refunding Mortgage, dated as of December 1, 1927, to Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, to secure its First and Refunding Mortgage Gold Bonds, to be issued from time to time in series as provided in said Mortgage, and has from time to time duly executed and delivered supplemental indentures, including supplemental indentures dated as of September 1, 1947 and February 1, 1949, to Guaranty Trust Company of New York (the corporate name of which has been changed to Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York), as Trustee, and a supplemental indenture dated as of February 1, 1960 to Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, supplementing and modifying said Mortgage (said Mortgage, as so supplemented and modified by the supplemental indentures dated as of September 1, 1947, February 1, 1949 and February 1, 1960, being hereinafter referred to as the "original indenture"); and

WHEREAS bonds of a series known as the "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 2.65% Series Due 1977" (herein called "bonds of the 2.65% Series"), bonds of a series known as the "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 2 7/8% Series Due 1979" (herein called "bonds of the 1979 Series"), bonds of a series known as the "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 6 3/8% Series Due 1998" (herein called "bonds of the 1998 Series"), bonds of a series known as the "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, Pollution Control Facilities Revenue Refunding Series Due 2014" (herein called "bonds of the 1990 Pollution Control Series"), bonds of a series known as the "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, City of Greensboro Series Due 2027" (herein called "bonds of the 2027 City of Greensboro Series"), bonds of a series known as the "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, Medium-Term Notes Series" (herein called "bonds of the Medium-Term Notes Series"), bonds of a series known as the "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 6 5/8% Series B Due 2003" (herein called "bonds of the 2003 Series B"), bonds of a series known as the "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 6 3/8% Series Due 2008" (herein called "bonds of the 2008 Series"), bonds of a series known as the "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 5 7/8% Series C Due 2003" (herein called "bonds of the 2003 Series C"), bonds of a series known as the "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, Pollution Control Facilities Revenue Refunding Series Due 2014" (herein called "bonds of the 1993 Pollution Control Series"), bonds of a series known as the "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 6 1/4% Series B 2004" (herein called "bonds of the 2004 Series B"), bonds of a series known as the "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 7% Series Due 2033" (herein called "bonds of the 2033 Series"), bonds of a series known as the "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 6 7/8% Series B Due 2023" (herein called "bonds of the 2023 Series B"), bonds of a series known as the "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 6 3/4% Series Due 2025" (herein called "bonds of the 2025 Series"), bonds of a series known as the "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 7 7/8% Series Due 2024" (herein called "bonds of the 2024 Series"), bonds of a series known as the "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 7 1/2% Series B Due 2025" (herein called "bonds of the 2025 Series B"), bonds of a series known as the "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 7 1/2% Series Due 1999" (herein called "bonds of the 1999 Series"), bonds of a series known as the "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 7% Series Due 2000" (herein called "bonds of the 2000 Series"), bonds of a series known as the "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 7% Series B Due 2000" (herein called "bonds of the 2000 Series B"), bonds of a series known as the "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 6.625% Series Due 2003" (herein called "bonds of the 2003 Series"), bonds of a series known as the "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 9 5/8% Series Due 2020" (herein called "bonds of the 9 5/8% Series due 2020"), bonds of a series known as the "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 8 3/4% Series Due 2021" (herein called "bonds of the 2021 Series"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 7% Series Due 2005" (herein called "bonds of the 2005 Series"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 3.75% Series A Due 2008" (herein called "bonds of the 3.75% Series A"), bonds of series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 3.75% Series B Due 2008" (herein called "bonds of the 3.75% Series B," and together with the bonds of the 3.75% Series A, the "bonds of the 3.75% Series"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 7 3/8% Series Due 2023" (herein called "bonds of the 7 3/8% Series"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 4 1/2% Series Due 2010" (herein called "bonds of the 4 1/2% Series"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 5.30% Series Due 2015" (herein called "bonds of the 5.30% Series"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 5.25% Series Due 2018" (herein called "bonds of the 5.25% Series"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 6.00% Series Due 2038" (herein called "bonds of the 6.00% Series"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 2007A Pledge Series Due 2040" (herein called "bonds of the 2007A Pledge Series"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 2007B Pledge Series Due 2040" (herein called "bonds of the 2007B Pledge Series"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 5.10% Series B Due 2018" (herein called "bonds of the 5.10% Series"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 6.05% Series B Due 2038" (herein called "bonds of the 6.05% Series"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 7.00% Series C Due 2018" (herein called "bonds of the 2018 Series C"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 5.30% Series Due 2040" (herein called "bonds of the 2040 Series"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 4.30% Series due 2020"(herein called "bonds of the 2020 Series"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds Series 2010A Due 2031" (herein called "bonds of the 2010A Solid Waste Disposal Series"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds Series 2010B Due 2031" (herein called "bonds of the 2010B Solid Waste Disposal Series"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds Series 2010C Due 2040" (herein called "bonds of the 2010C Solid Waste Disposal Series"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds Series 2010D Due 2040" (herein called "bonds of the 2010D Solid Waste Disposal Series"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 3.90% Series due 2021" (herein called "bonds of the 3.90% Series due 2021"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 1.75% Series due 2016" (herein called "bonds of the 1.75% Series"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 4.25% Series due 2041" (herein called "bonds of the 4.25% Series"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 4.00% Series due 2042" (herein called "bonds of the 4.00% Series"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 3.75% Series due 2045" (herein called "bonds of the 3.75% Series due 2045"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 2.500% Series due 2023" (herein called "bonds of the 2.500% Series due 2023"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 3.875% Series due 2046" (herein called "bonds of the 3.875% Series due 2046"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 2.95% Series due 2026" (herein called "bonds of the 2.95% Series due 2026"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 3.70% Series due 2047" (herein called "bonds of the 3.70% Series due 2047"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 3.05% Series due 2023" (herein called "bonds of the 3.05% Series due 2023"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 3.95% Series due 2048 (herein called "bonds of the 3.95% Series due 2048"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 3.35% Series due 2022" (herein called "bonds of the 3.35% Series due 2022"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 3.95% Series due 2028" (herein called "bonds of the 3.95% Series due 2028"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 2.45% Series due 2029" (herein called "bonds of the 2.45% Series due 2029"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 3.20% Series due 2049" (herein called "bonds of the 3.20% Series due 2049"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 2.45% Series due 2030" (herein called "bonds of the 2.45% Series due 2030"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 2.55% Series due 2031" (herein called "bonds of the 2.55% Series due 2031"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 3.45% Series due 2051" (herein called "bonds of the 3.45% Series due 2051") , bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 2.85% Series due 2032" (herein called "bonds of the 2.85% Series due 2032"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 3.55% Series due 2052" (herein called "bonds of the 3.55% Series due 2052"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 4.95% Series due 2033" (herein called "bonds of the 4.95% Series due 2033"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 5.35% Series due 2053" (herein called "bonds of the 5.35% Series due 2053"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 5.40% Series due 2054" (herein called "bonds of the 5.40% Series due 2054"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 4.85% Series due 2034" (herein called "bonds of the 4.85% Series due 2034"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 4.85% Series due 2030" (herein called "bonds of the 4.85% Series due 2030"), bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 5.25% Series due 2035" (herein called "bonds of the 5.25% Series due 2035") and such other bonds that have heretofore been issued and (except for bonds of the 2.65% Series, bonds of the 1979 Series, bonds of the 1998 Series, bonds of the 1990 Pollution Control Series, bonds of the Medium Term Notes Series, bonds of the 2003 Series B, bonds of the 2008 Series, bonds of the 2003 Series C, bonds of the 1993 Pollution Control Series, bonds of the 2004 Series B, bonds of the 2033 Series, bonds of the 2023 Series B, bonds of the 2025 Series, bonds of the 2024 Series, bonds of the 2025 Series B, bonds of the 1999 Series, bonds of the 2000 Series, bonds of the 2000 Series B, bonds of the 2003 Series, bonds of the 9 5/8% Series due 2020, bonds of the 2021 Series, bonds of the 2005 Series, bonds of the 3.75% Series, bonds of the 7 3/8% Series, bonds of the 2007A Pledge Series, bonds of the 2007B Pledge Series, bonds of the 4 1/2% Series, bonds of the 5.30% Series, bonds of a series known as "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, Pollution Control Facilities Revenue Refunding Series Due 2017," bonds of the 1.75% Series, bonds of the 5.25% Series, bonds of the 5.10% Series, bonds of the 2018 Series C, bonds of the 2020 Series, bonds of the 2010A Solid Waste Disposal Series, bonds of the 2010B Solid Waste Disposal Series, bonds of the 3.90% Series due 2021, bonds of the 3.35% Series due 2022, bonds of the 2.500% Series due 2023, bonds of the 3.05% Series due 2023, and other such bonds which have been redeemed or retired in their entirety) are the only bonds now outstanding under the original indenture as heretofore supplemented; and

WHEREAS the Company has duly executed and delivered a supplemental indenture, dated as of June 15, 1964, to Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, for the purpose of evidencing the succession by merger of the Company to the New Jersey Company and the assumption by the Company of the covenants and conditions of the New Jersey Company in the original indenture and to enable the Company to have and exercise the powers and rights of the New Jersey Company under the original indenture in accordance with the terms thereof and whereby the Company assumed and agreed to pay duly and punctually the principal of and interest on the bonds issued under the original indenture in accordance with the provisions of said bonds and the coupons thereto appertaining and the original indenture, and agreed to perform and fulfill all the terms, covenants and conditions of the original indenture binding upon the New Jersey Company, and

WHEREAS Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York resigned as Trustee under the original indenture as heretofore supplemented and Chemical Bank was appointed successor Trustee, said resignation and appointment having taken effect on August 30, 1994 pursuant to an Instrument of Resignation, Appointment and Acceptance dated as of August 30, 1994 among the Company, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, and Chemical Bank (now known as JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.), as successor Trustee; and

WHEREAS JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. resigned as Trustee and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (formerly known as The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A.) was appointed successor Trustee, said resignation and appointment having taken effect on September 24, 2007 pursuant to an Instrument of Resignation, Appointment and Acceptance dated as of September 24, 2007 among the Company, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Trustee, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor Trustee; and

WHEREAS the Company desires to create under the original indenture, as heretofore supplemented and as to be supplemented by this supplemental indenture, three new series of bonds, to be known as its "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 4.65% Series due 2031," its "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 5.15% Series due 2036," and its "First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 5.75% Series due 2056," and to determine the terms and provisions and the form of the bonds of each such series; and

WHEREAS for the purposes hereinabove recited, and pursuant to due limited liability company action, the Company has duly determined to execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture in the form hereof supplementing the original indenture (the original indenture, as previously supplemented by supplemental indentures and as hereby supplemented, being sometimes hereinafter referred to as the "Indenture"); and

WHEREAS all conditions and requirements necessary to make this supplemental indenture a valid, legal and binding instrument in accordance with its terms have been done and performed, and the execution and delivery hereof have been in all respects duly authorized:

NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:

That in consideration of the premises and of the sum of one dollar duly paid by the Company to the Trustee at or before the execution and delivery of these presents, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, the Company hereby covenants and agrees with the Trustee and its successors in the trust under the Indenture as follows:

**PART One.**

**SECTION 1. Bonds of the 4.65% Series**

**Section 1.1.** The Company hereby creates a new series of bonds to be issued under and secured by the Indenture and known as its First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 4.65% Series due 2031 (herein called "bonds of the 4.65% Series") and the Company hereby establishes, determines and fixes the terms and provisions of the bonds of the 4.65% Series as hereinafter in this Section 1 set forth.

Each bond of the 4.65% Series shall be dated the date of its authentication (except that if any such bond shall be authenticated on any interest payment date, it shall be dated the following day) and interest shall be payable on the principal represented thereby commencing December 15, 2026, from June 15 or December 15, as the case may be, next preceding the date thereof to which interest has been paid, unless such date of authentication is prior to December 15, 2026, in which case interest shall be payable from June 5, 2026; <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that interest shall be payable on each bond of the 4.65% Series authenticated after the record date (as defined in the next succeeding paragraph of this Section 1.1) with respect to any interest payment date and prior to such interest payment date, only from such interest payment date.

Interest on any bond of the 4.65% Series shall be paid to the person who, according to the bond register of the Company, is the registered holder of such bond of the 4.65% Series at the close of business on the applicable record date, and such interest payments shall be made by check mailed to such registered holder at his last address shown on such bond register or, at the option of the Company, by wire transfer at such place and to such account at a banking institution in the United States as may be designated in writing to the Trustee at least sixteen (16) days prior to the date of payment by the Person entitled thereto (<u>provided</u>, that if the bonds of the 4.65% Series are represented by Global Securities held by the Depositary, payment may be made pursuant to the procedures of the Depositary); <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that, if the Company shall default in the payment of the interest due on any interest payment date on any bond of the 4.65% Series, such defaulted interest shall be paid to the registered holder of such bond (or any bond or bonds of the 4.65% Series issued upon transfer, exchange or substitution thereof) on the date of subsequent payment of such defaulted interest or, at the election of the Company, to the person in whose name such bond (or any bond or bonds of the 4.65% Series issued upon transfer, exchange or substitution thereof) is registered on a subsequent record date established by notice given by mail by or on behalf of the Company to the holders of all bonds of the 4.65% Series not less than ten (10) days preceding such subsequent record date. The term "record date" as used in this Section 1.1 shall mean, with respect to any semi-annual interest payment date, the close of business on (i) the business day immediately preceding such interest payment date so long as the bonds of the 4.65% Series remain in book-entry only form or (ii) the fifteenth calendar day immediately preceding such interest payment date if any of the bonds of the 4.65% Series do not remain in book-entry only form, in each case, whether or not a business day, or, in the case of a payment of defaulted interest, the close of business on any subsequent record date established as provided above.

**Section 1.2.** All bonds of the 4.65% Series shall mature as to principal on June 15, 2031 and shall bear interest at a rate of 4.65% per annum, payable semi-annually on the 15th day of June and December in each year, commencing on the 15th day of December, 2026. Interest on the bonds of the 4.65% Series will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.

In the event that the due date for the payment of interest or principal falls on a day that is not a business day, the Company shall pay the interest or principal on the next business day, without any interest or other payments due to the delay.

**Section 1.3.** The bonds of the 4.65% Series shall be fully registered bonds, without coupons, in denominations of two thousand dollars ($2,000) and integral multiples of one thousand dollars ($1,000) in excess thereof, all such bonds to be numbered, and shall be transferable and exchangeable as provided in the form of bond set forth as Exhibit A to this supplemental indenture. The provisions of §1.19 and any other provision in the Indenture in respect of coupon bonds or reservation of coupon bond numbers shall be inapplicable to the bonds of the 4.65% Series.

**Section 1.4.** Prior to May 15, 2031 (the "2031 Par Call Date"), the Company may redeem at its option the bonds of the 4.65% Series, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of: (a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date (assuming the bonds of the 4.65% Series matured on the 2031 Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate applicable to the bonds of the 4.65% Series plus 10 basis points less (b) interest accrued to the redemption date; and 100% of the principal amount of the bonds of the 4.65% Series to be redeemed, plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date. The Company shall notify the Trustee of the redemption price with respect to any redemption pursuant to this paragraph promptly after the calculation thereof. The Trustee shall not be responsible for calculating said redemption price.

On or after the 2031 Par Call Date, the Company may redeem at its option the bonds of the 4.65% Series, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the bonds of the 4.65% Series to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date.

If a Tax Credit Event occurs, the Company may redeem, upon the sending of a notice of redemption to the holders of the bonds of the 4.65% Series, the bonds of the 4.65% Series in whole but not in part at a redemption price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the bonds of the 4.65% Series being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the redemption date. A notice of redemption of the bonds of the 4.65% Series upon the occurrence of a Tax Credit Event (i) may only be sent by the later of (a) the end of the calendar year in which the bonds of the 4.65% Series were issued and (b) six months from the date of issuance of the bonds of the 4.65% Series and (ii) shall be accompanied by a certificate from an officer of the Company stating that a Tax Credit Event has occurred. The consummation of a redemption upon a Tax Credit Event may be subject to the Trustee's receipt of the required redemption moneys on or before the redemption date (and in such case no such redemption shall occur unless such moneys have been received by the Trustee on or before such date).

The bonds of the 4.65% Series are also subject to redemption through the operation of the Replacement Fund provided in Part Two of this supplemental indenture or through the application of moneys paid to the Trustee pursuant to the provisions of §5.05 of the Indenture, at any time or from time to time prior to maturity, upon prior notice as hereinafter provided, at the redemption prices specified in the fifth paragraph of the reverse side of the form of bond set forth as Exhibit A to this supplemental indenture, together with interest accrued thereon to the date fixed for redemption thereof.

In the event that any redemption date is not a business day, the Company shall pay the redemption price on the next business day without any interest or other payment due to the delay.

All such redemptions of bonds of the 4.65% Series shall be effected as provided in Article 3 of the Indenture except that, in case a part only of the bonds of the 4.65% Series is to be paid and redeemed, the particular bonds or part thereof shall be selected by lot and in any case where several bonds are registered in the same name, the Trustee may treat the aggregate principal amount so registered as if it were represented by one bond and except that when bonds are redeemed in part only the notice given to any particular holder need state only the principal amount of the bonds of that holder which is to be redeemed and except that notice to the holders of bonds to be redeemed shall be given by mailing to such holders a notice of such redemption, first class mail postage prepaid, not later than the tenth day, and not earlier than the sixtieth day, before the date fixed for redemption, at their last addresses as they shall appear upon the bond register of the Company. Any notice which is mailed in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the holder receives such notice; and failure duly to give such notice by mail, or any defect in such notice, to the holder of any bond designated for redemption as a whole or in part shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other bond. No publication of notice of such redemption shall be required.

**Section 1.5.** The limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the bonds of the 4.65% Series which may be authenticated and delivered pursuant to this supplemental indenture shall initially be $400,000,000. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may, without the consent of the holders of the bonds of the 4.65% Series, reopen the bonds of the 4.65% Series and issue an unlimited amount of additional bonds having the same ranking, interest rate, maturity and other terms (except for the price to the public, the issue date, and, if applicable, the initial interest accrual date and the first interest payment date) as the bonds of the 4.65% Series authenticated and delivered pursuant to this supplemental indenture; provided, that, the Company may reopen the bonds of the 4.65% Series only if the additional bonds issued will be fungible for United States federal income tax purposes with the bonds of the 4.65% Series authenticated and delivered pursuant to this supplemental indenture. Any such additional bonds will be consolidated with and form a single series of bonds under the Indenture with the bonds of the 4.65% Series authenticated and delivered pursuant to this supplemental indenture.

**Section 1.6.** The place or places of payment (as to principal and premium, if any, and interest), redemption, transfer, exchange and registration of the bonds of the 4.65% Series shall be the office or offices or the agency or agencies of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, designated from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Company (provided, that if the bonds of the 4.65% Series are represented by Global Securities held by or on behalf of the Depositary, the procedures of the Depositary may be followed for any action under this Section 1.6).

**Section 1.7.** The form of the bonds of the 4.65% Series and the certificate of the Trustee to be endorsed on such bonds, respectively, shall be in substantially the form set forth in Exhibit A hereto.

**SECTION 2. Bonds of the 5.15% Series**

**Section 2.1.** The Company hereby creates a new series of bonds to be issued under and secured by the Indenture and known as its First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 5.15% Series due 2036 (herein called "bonds of the 5.15% Series") and the Company hereby establishes, determines and fixes the terms and provisions of the bonds of the 5.15% Series as hereinafter in this Section 2 set forth.

Each bond of the 5.15% Series shall be dated the date of its authentication (except that if any such bond shall be authenticated on any interest payment date, it shall be dated the following day) and interest shall be payable on the principal represented thereby commencing December 15, 2026, from June 15 or December 15, as the case may be, next preceding the date thereof to which interest has been paid, unless such date of authentication is prior to December 15, 2026, in which case interest shall be payable from June 5, 2026; <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that interest shall be payable on each bond of the 5.15% Series authenticated after the record date (as defined in the next succeeding paragraph of this Section 2.1) with respect to any interest payment date and prior to such interest payment date, only from such interest payment date.

Interest on any bond of the 5.15% Series shall be paid to the person who, according to the bond register of the Company, is the registered holder of such bond of the 5.15% Series at the close of business on the applicable record date, and such interest payments shall be made by check mailed to such registered holder at his last address shown on such bond register or, at the option of the Company, by wire transfer at such place and to such account at a banking institution in the United States as may be designated in writing to the Trustee at least sixteen (16) days prior to the date of payment by the Person entitled thereto (<u>provided</u>, that if the bonds of the 5.15% Series are represented by Global Securities held by the Depositary, payment may be made pursuant to the procedures of the Depositary); <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that, if the Company shall default in the payment of the interest due on any interest payment date on any bond of the 5.15% Series, such defaulted interest shall be paid to the registered holder of such bond (or any bond or bonds of the 5.15% Series issued upon transfer, exchange or substitution thereof) on the date of subsequent payment of such defaulted interest or, at the election of the Company, to the person in whose name such bond (or any bond or bonds of the 5.15% Series issued upon transfer, exchange or substitution thereof) is registered on a subsequent record date established by notice given by mail by or on behalf of the Company to the holders of all bonds of the 5.15% Series not less than ten (10) days preceding such subsequent record date. The term "record date" as used in this Section 2.1 shall mean, with respect to any semi-annual interest payment date, the close of business on (i) the business day immediately preceding such interest payment date so long as the bonds of the 5.15% Series remain in book-entry only form or (ii) the fifteenth calendar day immediately preceding such interest payment date if any of the bonds of the 5.15% Series do not remain in book-entry only form, in each case, whether or not a business day, or, in the case of a payment of defaulted interest, the close of business on any subsequent record date established as provided above.

**Section 2.2.** All bonds of the 5.15% Series shall mature as to principal on June 15, 2036 and shall bear interest at a rate of 5.15% per annum, payable semi-annually on the 15<sup>th</sup> day of June and December in each year, commencing on the 15<sup>th</sup> day of December, 2026. Interest on the bonds of the 5.15% Series will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.

In the event that the due date for the payment of interest or principal falls on a day that is not a business day, the Company shall pay the interest or principal on the next business day, without any interest or other payments due to the delay.

**Section 2.3.** The bonds of the 5.15% Series shall be fully registered bonds, without coupons, in denominations of two thousand dollars ($2,000) and integral multiples of one thousand dollars ($1,000) in excess thereof, all such bonds to be numbered, and shall be transferable and exchangeable as provided in the form of bond set forth as Exhibit B to this supplemental indenture. The provisions of §1.19 and any other provision in the Indenture in respect of coupon bonds or reservation of coupon bond numbers shall be inapplicable to the bonds of the 5.15% Series.

**Section 2.4.** Prior to March 15, 2036 (the "2036 Par Call Date"), the Company may redeem at its option the bonds of the 5.15% Series, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of: (a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date (assuming the bonds of the 5.15% Series matured on the 2036 Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate applicable to the bonds of the 5.15% Series plus 15 basis points less (b) interest accrued to the redemption date; and 100% of the principal amount of the bonds of the 5.15% Series to be redeemed, plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date. The Company shall notify the Trustee of the redemption price with respect to any redemption pursuant to this paragraph promptly after the calculation thereof. The Trustee shall not be responsible for calculating said redemption price.

On or after the 2036 Par Call Date, the Company may redeem at its option the bonds of the 5.15% Series, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the bonds of the 5.15% Series to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date.

If a Tax Credit Event occurs, the Company may redeem, upon the sending of a notice of redemption to the holders of the bonds of the 5.15% Series, the bonds of the 5.15% Series in whole but not in part at a redemption price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the bonds of the 5.15% Series being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the redemption date. A notice of redemption of the bonds of the 5.15% Series upon the occurrence of a Tax Credit Event (i) may only be sent by the later of (a) the end of the calendar year in which the bonds of the 5.15% Series were issued and (b) six months from the date of issuance of the bonds of the 5.15% Series and (ii) shall be accompanied by a certificate from an officer of the Company stating that a Tax Credit Event has occurred. The consummation of a redemption upon a Tax Credit Event may be subject to the Trustee's receipt of the required redemption moneys on or before the redemption date (and in such case no such redemption shall occur unless such moneys have been received by the Trustee on or before such date).

The bonds of the 5.15% Series are also subject to redemption through the operation of the Replacement Fund provided in Part Two of this supplemental indenture or through the application of moneys paid to the Trustee pursuant to the provisions of §5.05 of the Indenture, at any time or from time to time prior to maturity, upon prior notice as hereinafter provided, at the redemption prices specified in the fifth paragraph of the reverse side of the form of bond set forth as Exhibit B to this supplemental indenture, together with interest accrued thereon to the date fixed for redemption thereof.

In the event that any redemption date is not a business day, the Company shall pay the redemption price on the next business day without any interest or other payment due to the delay.

All such redemptions of bonds of the 5.15% Series shall be effected as provided in Article 3 of the Indenture except that, in case a part only of the bonds of the 5.15% Series is to be paid and redeemed, the particular bonds or part thereof shall be selected by lot and in any case where several bonds are registered in the same name, the Trustee may treat the aggregate principal amount so registered as if it were represented by one bond and except that when bonds are redeemed in part only the notice given to any particular holder need state only the principal amount of the bonds of that holder which is to be redeemed and except that notice to the holders of bonds to be redeemed shall be given by mailing to such holders a notice of such redemption, first class mail postage prepaid, not later than the tenth day, and not earlier than the sixtieth day, before the date fixed for redemption, at their last addresses as they shall appear upon the bond register of the Company. Any notice which is mailed in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the holder receives such notice; and failure duly to give such notice by mail, or any defect in such notice, to the holder of any bond designated for redemption as a whole or in part shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other bond. No publication of notice of such redemption shall be required.

**Section 2.5.** The limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the bonds of the 5.15% Series which may be authenticated and delivered pursuant to this supplemental indenture shall initially be $1,000,000,000. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may, without the consent of the holders of the bonds of the 5.15% Series, reopen the bonds of the 5.15% Series and issue an unlimited amount of additional bonds having the same ranking, interest rate, maturity and other terms (except for the price to the public, the issue date, and, if applicable, the initial interest accrual date and the first interest payment date) as the bonds of the 5.15% Series authenticated and delivered pursuant to this supplemental indenture; provided, that, the Company may reopen the bonds of the 5.15% Series only if the additional bonds issued will be fungible for United States federal income tax purposes with the bonds of the 5.15% Series authenticated and delivered pursuant to this supplemental indenture. Any such additional bonds will be consolidated with and form a single series of bonds under the Indenture with the bonds of the 5.15% Series authenticated and delivered pursuant to this supplemental indenture.

**Section 2.6.** The place or places of payment (as to principal and premium, if any, and interest), redemption, transfer, exchange and registration of the bonds of the 5.15% Series shall be the office or offices or the agency or agencies of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, designated from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Company (provided, that if the bonds of the 5.15% Series are represented by Global Securities held by or on behalf of the Depositary, the procedures of the Depositary may be followed for any action under this Section 2.6).

**Section 2.7.** The form of the bonds of the 5.15% Series and the certificate of the Trustee to be endorsed on such bonds, respectively, shall be in substantially the form set forth in Exhibit B hereto.

**SECTION 3. Bonds of the 5.75% Series**

**Section 3.1.** The Company hereby creates a new series of bonds to be issued under and secured by the Indenture and known as its First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 5.75% Series due 2056 (herein called "bonds of the 5.75% Series") and the Company hereby establishes, determines and fixes the terms and provisions of the bonds of the 5.75% Series as hereinafter in this Section 3 set forth.

Each bond of the 5.75% Series shall be dated the date of its authentication (except that if any such bond shall be authenticated on any interest payment date, it shall be dated the following day) and interest shall be payable on the principal represented thereby commencing December 15, 2026, from June 15 or December 15, as the case may be, next preceding the date thereof to which interest has been paid, unless such date of authentication is prior to December 15, 2026, in which case interest shall be payable from June 5, 2026; <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that interest shall be payable on each bond of the 5.75% Series authenticated after the record date (as defined in the next succeeding paragraph of this Section 3.1) with respect to any interest payment date and prior to such interest payment date, only from such interest payment date.

Interest on any bond of the 5.75% Series shall be paid to the person who, according to the bond register of the Company, is the registered holder of such bond of the 5.75% Series at the close of business on the applicable record date, and such interest payments shall be made by check mailed to such registered holder at his last address shown on such bond register or, at the option of the Company, by wire transfer at such place and to such account at a banking institution in the United States as may be designated in writing to the Trustee at least sixteen (16) days prior to the date of payment by the Person entitled thereto (<u>provided</u>, that if the bonds of the 5.75% Series are represented by Global Securities held by the Depositary, payment may be made pursuant to the procedures of the Depositary); <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that, if the Company shall default in the payment of the interest due on any interest payment date on any bond of the 5.75% Series, such defaulted interest shall be paid to the registered holder of such bond (or any bond or bonds of the 5.75% Series issued upon transfer, exchange or substitution thereof) on the date of subsequent payment of such defaulted interest or, at the election of the Company, to the person in whose name such bond (or any bond or bonds of the 5.75% Series issued upon transfer, exchange or substitution thereof) is registered on a subsequent record date established by notice given by mail by or on behalf of the Company to the holders of all bonds of the 5.75% Series not less than ten (10) days preceding such subsequent record date. The term "record date" as used in this Section 3.1 shall mean, with respect to any semi-annual interest payment date, the close of business on (i) the business day immediately preceding such interest payment date so long as the bonds of the 5.75% Series remain in book-entry only form or (ii) the fifteenth calendar day immediately preceding such interest payment date if any of the bonds of the 5.75% Series do not remain in book-entry only form, in each case, whether or not a business day, or, in the case of a payment of defaulted interest, the close of business on any subsequent record date established as provided above.

**Section 3.2.** All bonds of the 5.75% Series shall mature as to principal on June 15, 2056 and shall bear interest at a rate of 5.75% per annum, payable semi-annually on the 15<sup>th</sup> day of June and December in each year, commencing on the 15<sup>th</sup> day of December, 2026. Interest on the bonds of the 5.75% Series will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.

In the event that the due date for the payment of interest or principal falls on a day that is not a business day, the Company shall pay the interest or principal on the next business day, without any interest or other payments due to the delay.

**Section 3.3.** The bonds of the 5.75% Series shall be fully registered bonds, without coupons, in denominations of two thousand dollars ($2,000) and integral multiples of one thousand dollars ($1,000) in excess thereof, all such bonds to be numbered, and shall be transferable and exchangeable as provided in the form of bond set forth as Exhibit C to this supplemental indenture. The provisions of §1.19 and any other provision in the Indenture in respect of coupon bonds or reservation of coupon bond numbers shall be inapplicable to the bonds of the 5.75% Series.

**Section 3.4.** Prior to December 15, 2055 (the "2056 Par Call Date"), the Company may redeem at its option the bonds of the 5.75% Series, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of: (a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date (assuming the bonds of the 5.75% Series matured on the 2056 Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate applicable to the bonds of the 5.75% Series plus 15 basis points less (b) interest accrued to the redemption date; and 100% of the principal amount of the bonds of the 5.75% Series to be redeemed, plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date. The Company shall notify the Trustee of the redemption price with respect to any redemption pursuant to this paragraph promptly after the calculation thereof. The Trustee shall not be responsible for calculating said redemption price.

On or after the 2056 Par Call Date, the Company may redeem at its option the bonds of the 5.75% Series, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the bonds of the 5.75% Series to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date.

If a Tax Credit Event occurs, the Company may redeem, upon the sending of a notice of redemption to the holders of the bonds of the 5.75% Series, the bonds of the 5.75% Series in whole but not in part at a redemption price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the bonds of the 5.75% Series being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the redemption date. A notice of redemption of the bonds of the 5.75% Series upon the occurrence of a Tax Credit Event (i) may only be sent by the later of (a) the end of the calendar year in which the bonds of the 5.75% Series were issued and (b) six months from the date of issuance of the bonds of the 5.75% Series and (ii) shall be accompanied by a certificate from an officer of the Company stating that a Tax Credit Event has occurred. The consummation of a redemption upon a Tax Credit Event may be subject to the Trustee's receipt of the required redemption moneys on or before the redemption date (and in such case no such redemption shall occur unless such moneys have been received by the Trustee on or before such date).

The bonds of the 5.75% Series are also subject to redemption through the operation of the Replacement Fund provided in Part Two of this supplemental indenture or through the application of moneys paid to the Trustee pursuant to the provisions of §5.05 of the Indenture, at any time or from time to time prior to maturity, upon prior notice as hereinafter provided, at the redemption prices specified in the fifth paragraph of the reverse side of the form of bond set forth as Exhibit C to this supplemental indenture, together with interest accrued thereon to the date fixed for redemption thereof.

In the event that any redemption date is not a business day, the Company shall pay the redemption price on the next business day without any interest or other payment due to the delay.

All such redemptions of bonds of the 5.75% Series shall be effected as provided in Article 3 of the Indenture except that, in case a part only of the bonds of the 5.75% Series is to be paid and redeemed, the particular bonds or part thereof shall be selected by lot and in any case where several bonds are registered in the same name, the Trustee may treat the aggregate principal amount so registered as if it were represented by one bond and except that when bonds are redeemed in part only the notice given to any particular holder need state only the principal amount of the bonds of that holder which is to be redeemed and except that notice to the holders of bonds to be redeemed shall be given by mailing to such holders a notice of such redemption, first class mail postage prepaid, not later than the tenth day, and not earlier than the sixtieth day, before the date fixed for redemption, at their last addresses as they shall appear upon the bond register of the Company. Any notice which is mailed in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the holder receives such notice; and failure duly to give such notice by mail, or any defect in such notice, to the holder of any bond designated for redemption as a whole or in part shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other bond. No publication of notice of such redemption shall be required.

**Section 3.5.** The limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the bonds of the 5.75% Series which may be authenticated and delivered pursuant to this supplemental indenture shall initially be $1,000,000,000. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may, without the consent of the holders of the bonds of the 5.75% Series, reopen the bonds of the 5.75% Series and issue an unlimited amount of additional bonds having the same ranking, interest rate, maturity and other terms (except for the price to the public, the issue date, and, if applicable, the initial interest accrual date and the first interest payment date) as the bonds of the 5.75% Series authenticated and delivered pursuant to this supplemental indenture; provided, that, the Company may reopen the bonds of the 5.75% Series only if the additional bonds issued will be fungible for United States federal income tax purposes with the bonds of the 5.75% Series authenticated and delivered pursuant to this supplemental indenture. Any such additional bonds will be consolidated with and form a single series of bonds under the Indenture with the bonds of the 5.75% Series authenticated and delivered pursuant to this supplemental indenture.

**Section 3.6.** The place or places of payment (as to principal and premium, if any, and interest), redemption, transfer, exchange and registration of the bonds of the 5.75% Series shall be the office or offices or the agency or agencies of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, designated from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Company (provided, that if the bonds of the 5.75% Series are represented by Global Securities held by or on behalf of the Depositary, the procedures of the Depositary may be followed for any action under this Section 3.6).

**Section 3.7.** The form of the bonds of the 5.75% Series and the certificate of the Trustee to be endorsed on such bonds, respectively, shall be in substantially the form set forth in Exhibit C hereto.

**PART Two.**

**REPLACEMENT FUND.**

**SECTION 1.** So long as any of the bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series are outstanding, the Company will continue to maintain the Replacement Fund set forth in, and in accordance with the applicable terms and conditions now contained in, Part Two of the supplemental indenture dated as of February 1, 1949, and the covenants on the part of the Company contained in such Part Two shall continue and remain in full force and effect, whether or not bonds of the 1979 Series are outstanding and to the same extent as though the words "or any bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series" were inserted after the word "Series" appearing in the second line of Section 1 and the second line of Section 4 of said Part Two of said supplemental indenture dated as of February 1, 1949.

**SECTION 2.** If at any time (a) any of the bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series are outstanding and (b) no Outstanding Mortgage Bonds (as defined in Section 1 of Part Three of this supplemental indenture) entitled to the benefit of the Replacement Fund are outstanding and (c) cash which shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to such Replacement Fund shall not within five years from the date of deposit thereof have been paid out, or used or set aside by the Trustee for the payment, purchase or redemption of bonds, pursuant to such Replacement Fund, such cash shall, if in excess of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), be applied to the redemption of bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series and the 5.75% Series on a pro rata basis as between such series in an aggregate principal amount sufficient to exhaust as nearly as possible the full amount of such cash. Anything in Section 5 of Part Two of the aforesaid supplemental indenture dated as of February 1, 1949, in Section 3 of Part Two of the supplemental indentures dated as of May 1, 1993, July 1, 1993, August 1, 1993, August 20, 1993, May 1, 1994, February 25, 2003, March 21, 2003 and September 23, 2003, in Section 3 of Part Three of the supplemental indenture dated as of March 1, 1990 and in Section 5 of Part Four of the supplemental indenture dated as of March 1, 1993 to the contrary notwithstanding, no cash shall be paid over to the Company thereunder if at the time any bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series are then outstanding, and such cash shall in such event be applied as in this Part Two set forth.

**SECTION 3.** Whenever all of the bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series and all of the Outstanding Mortgage Bonds entitled to the benefit of the Replacement Fund shall have been paid, purchased or redeemed, the Trustee shall, upon application of the Company, pay to or upon the order of the Company all cash theretofore deposited with the Trustee pursuant to the provisions of the Replacement Fund and not previously disposed of pursuant to the provisions of the Replacement Fund, and shall deliver to the Company any bonds which shall theretofore have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to the provisions of the Replacement Fund or paid, purchased or redeemed pursuant to the provisions of the Replacement Fund.

**PART Three.**

**ADDITIONAL COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY**

**SECTION 1.** Whether or not the covenants on the part of the Company contained in Part Three of the supplemental indenture dated as of February 1, 1949 are modified with the consent of the holders of bonds of the 2027 City of Greensboro Series, the 6.00% Series, the 6.05% Series, the 2040 Series, the 2010C Solid Waste Disposal Series, the 2010D Solid Waste Disposal Series, the 4.25% Series or the 4.00% Series (collectively, the "Outstanding Mortgage Bonds"), such covenants on the part of the Company contained in said Part Three shall continue and remain in full force and effect so long as any of the bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series are outstanding and to the same extent as though the words "or so long as any bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series are outstanding" were inserted after the words "so long as any of the bonds of the 1979 Series or any bonds of the 2.65% Series are outstanding" wherever such words appear in said Part Three of the supplemental indenture dated as of February 1, 1949.

**SECTION 2.** Whether or not the second sentence of paragraph (a) of §2.08 of the original indenture (making certain provisions for the definition of the term "net amount" applicable while bonds of the 2.65% Series were outstanding and which was originally set forth in Section 4 of Article One of the supplemental indenture dated as of September 1, 1947 and which is corrected and clarified by Section 2 of Part Four of the supplemental indenture dated as of February 1, 1968) is modified with the consent of the holders of any of the Outstanding Mortgage Bonds, said sentence shall continue and remain in full force and effect so long as any bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series are outstanding, and with the same force and effect as though said sentence had stated that such provisions were to be applicable so long as any of the bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series are outstanding.

**PART Four.**

**GLOBAL SECURITIES; TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE**

**SECTION 1.** The bonds of the 4.65% Series shall initially be issued in the form of one or more Global Securities registered in the name of the Depositary (which initially shall be The Depository Trust Company) or its nominee. Except under the limited circumstances described below, bonds of the 4.65% Series represented by such Global Security or Global Securities shall not be exchangeable for, and shall not otherwise be issuable as, bonds of the 4.65% Series in definitive form. The Global Securities described in this Part Four may not be transferred except by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary or by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary or to a successor Depositary or its nominee.

None of the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests of a Global Security or maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.

A Global Security shall be exchangeable for bonds of the 4.65% Series registered in the names of persons other than the Depositary or its nominee only if (i) the Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a Depositary for such Global Security and no successor Depositary shall have been appointed by the Company within 90 days of receipt by the Company of such notification, or if at any time the Depositary ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act at a time when the Depositary is required to be so registered to act as such Depositary and no successor Depositary shall have been appointed by the Company within 90 days after it becomes aware of such cessation, (ii) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the bonds of the 4.65% Series or (iii) the Company in its sole discretion, and subject to the procedures of the Depositary, determines that such Global Security shall be so exchangeable. Any Global Security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be exchangeable for bonds of the 4.65% Series registered in such names as the Depositary shall direct.

**SECTION 2.** The bonds of the 5.15% Series shall initially be issued in the form of one or more Global Securities registered in the name of the Depositary (which initially shall be The Depository Trust Company) or its nominee. Except under the limited circumstances described below, bonds of the 5.15% Series represented by such Global Security or Global Securities shall not be exchangeable for, and shall not otherwise be issuable as, bonds of the 5.15% Series in definitive form. The Global Securities described in this Part Four may not be transferred except by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary or by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary or to a successor Depositary or its nominee.

None of the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests of a Global Security or maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.

A Global Security shall be exchangeable for bonds of the 5.15% Series registered in the names of persons other than the Depositary or its nominee only if (i) the Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a Depositary for such Global Security and no successor Depositary shall have been appointed by the Company within 90 days of receipt by the Company of such notification, or if at any time the Depositary ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act at a time when the Depositary is required to be so registered to act as such Depositary and no successor Depositary shall have been appointed by the Company within 90 days after it becomes aware of such cessation, (ii) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the bonds of the 5.15% Series or (iii) the Company in its sole discretion, and subject to the procedures of the Depositary, determines that such Global Security shall be so exchangeable. Any Global Security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be exchangeable for bonds of the 5.15% Series registered in such names as the Depositary shall direct.

**SECTION 3.** The bonds of the 5.75% Series shall initially be issued in the form of one or more Global Securities registered in the name of the Depositary (which initially shall be The Depository Trust Company) or its nominee. Except under the limited circumstances described below, bonds of the 5.75% Series represented by such Global Security or Global Securities shall not be exchangeable for, and shall not otherwise be issuable as, bonds of the 5.75% Series in definitive form. The Global Securities described in this Part Four may not be transferred except by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary or by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary or to a successor Depositary or its nominee.

None of the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests of a Global Security or maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.

A Global Security shall be exchangeable for bonds of the 5.75% Series registered in the names of persons other than the Depositary or its nominee only if (i) the Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a Depositary for such Global Security and no successor Depositary shall have been appointed by the Company within 90 days of receipt by the Company of such notification, or if at any time the Depositary ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act at a time when the Depositary is required to be so registered to act as such Depositary and no successor Depositary shall have been appointed by the Company within 90 days after it becomes aware of such cessation, (ii) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the bonds of the 5.75% Series or (iii) the Company in its sole discretion, and subject to the procedures of the Depositary, determines that such Global Security shall be so exchangeable. Any Global Security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be exchangeable for bonds of the 5.75% Series registered in such names as the Depositary shall direct.

**SECTION 4.** <u>Depository Legend</u>. Each of the Global Securities shall bear the following legend (the "Depository Legend") on the face thereof:

"UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION ("DTC"), NEW YORK, NEW YORK, TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS IN WHOLE, BUT NOT IN PART, TO DTC, TO NOMINEES OF DTC OR TO A SUCCESSOR THEREOF OR SUCH SUCCESSOR'S NOMINEE AND TRANSFERS OF PORTIONS OF THIS GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE REFERRED TO ON THE REVERSE HEREOF."

**SECTION 5.** <u>Transfer and Exchange</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Every bond of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange shall (if so required by the Company or the Trustee) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed, by the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration or transfer or exchange of bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series.

**SECTION 6.** <u>Definitions.</u> The following defined terms used herein shall, unless the context otherwise requires, have the meanings specified below. Capitalized terms used herein for which no definition is provided herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Indenture.

"Business day" means any day other than a day on which banks in New York City are required or authorized to be closed.

"Depositary" means a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act that is designated to act as Depositary for the bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series, which Depositary shall initially be The Depository Trust Company.

"Depository Legend" means a legend set forth in Section 2 of this Part Four.

"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

"Global Security" means a bond of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series in global form.

"Holder" means a Person in whose name a bond of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series is registered in the registration books maintained by the Trustee.

"Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company or corporation, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

A "Tax Credit Event" occurs with respect to the bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series if, in the Company's reasonable determination, there exists a material risk, due to the bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series (considered together with other debt) having been issued, as part of an original issuance, to one or more "specified foreign entities," as defined in Section 7701(a)(51)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), that the Company or any of its affiliates would be unable to utilize or otherwise ineligible to claim any tax credits otherwise allowed under Section 38 of the Code.

"Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any redemption date, the yield determined by the Company in accordance with the following two paragraphs.

The Treasury Rate shall be determined by the Company after 4:15 p.m., New York City time (or after such time as yields on U.S. government securities are posted daily by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), on the third business day preceding the redemption date based upon the yield or yields for the most recent day that appear after such time on such day in the most recent statistical release published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System designated as "Selected Interest Rates (Daily)—H.15" (or any successor designation or publication) ("H.15") under the caption "U.S. government securities—Treasury constant maturities — Nominal" (or any successor caption or heading) ("H.15 TCM"). In determining the Treasury Rate, the Company shall select, as applicable:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· the yield for the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the
period from the redemption date to the 2031 Par Call Date, the 2036 Par Call Date or the 2056 Par Call Date, as applicable (the "Remaining
Life"); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the
applicable Remaining Life, the two yields—one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately shorter
than and one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately longer than such Remaining Life—and shall
interpolate to the 2031 Par Call Date, the 2036 Par Call Date or the 2056 Par Call Date, as applicable, on a straight-line basis (using
the actual number of days) using such yields and rounding the result to three decimal places; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 shorter than or longer
than the applicable Remaining Life, the yield for the single Treasury constant maturity on H.15 closest to such Remaining Life. For purposes
of this clause, the applicable Treasury constant maturity or maturities on H.15 shall be deemed to have a maturity date equal to the relevant
number of months or years, as applicable, of such Treasury constant maturity from the redemption date.

If on the third business day preceding the redemption date H.15 TCM is no longer published, the Company shall calculate the Treasury Rate based on the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the second business day preceding such redemption date of the United States Treasury security maturing on, or with a maturity that is closest to, the 2031 Par Call Date, the 2036 Par Call Date or the 2056 Par Call Date, as applicable. If there is no United States Treasury security maturing on the 2031 Par Call Date, the 2036 Par Call Date or the 2056 Par Call Date, as applicable, but there are two or more United States Treasury securities with a maturity date equally distant from such Par Call Date, one with a maturity date preceding such Par Call Date and one with a maturity date following such Par Call Date, the Company shall select the United States Treasury security with a maturity date preceding such Par Call Date. If there are two or more United States Treasury securities maturing on the 2031 Par Call Date, the 2036 Par Call Date or the 2056 Par Call Date, as applicable, or two or more United States Treasury securities meeting the criteria of the preceding sentence, the Company shall select from among these two or more United States Treasury securities the United States Treasury security that is trading closest to par based upon the average of the bid and asked prices for such United States Treasury securities at 11:00 a.m., New York City time. In determining the Treasury Rate in accordance with the terms of this paragraph, the semi-annual yield to maturity of the applicable United States Treasury security shall be based upon the average of the bid and asked prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, of such United States Treasury security, and rounded to three decimal places.

The Company's actions and determinations in determining the redemption price shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty whatsoever to determine, or to verify the Company's calculations of, the redemption price.

**PART Five.**

**MISCELLANEOUS.**

**SECTION 1.**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) For the purposes of §2.10 of the Indenture and for the purposes of any modification of the provisions of the Replacement Fund referred to in Part Two of this supplemental indenture, the covenants and provisions on the part of the Company which are set forth or incorporated in Part Two of this supplemental indenture shall be for the benefit only of the holders of the bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series and the 5.75% Series. Such covenants and provisions shall remain in force and be applicable only so long as any bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series shall be outstanding, and, subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of §10.01 of the Indenture, any such covenants and provisions may be modified with respect to the bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series with the consent, in writing or by vote at a bondholders' meeting of the holders of sixty-six and two-thirds per cent (66 2/3%) of the principal amount of the bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series, as the case may be, at the time outstanding and without the consent of the holders of any other bonds then outstanding under the Indenture; <u>provided</u> that no such consent shall be effective to waive any past default under such covenants and provisions, and its consequences, unless the consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of all bonds then outstanding under the Indenture is obtained. Such covenants shall be deemed to be additional covenants and none of them shall affect or derogate from, or relieve the Company from, its obligation to comply with any of the other covenants, conditions, requirements or provisions of the Indenture or any other supplemental indenture.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) For the purposes of §2.10 of the Indenture and for the purposes of any modification of the provisions of Part Three of this supplemental indenture, the covenants and provisions on the part of the Company which are set forth or incorporated in said Part Three shall be for the benefit only of the holders of the bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series and the 5.75% Series. Such covenants and provisions shall remain in force and be applicable only so long as any bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series shall be outstanding, and, subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of §10.01 of the Indenture, any such covenants and provisions may be modified with respect to the bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series with the consent, in writing or by vote at a bondholders' meeting of the holders of sixty-six and two-thirds per cent (66 2/3%) of the principal amount of the bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series, as the case may be, at the time outstanding and without the consent of the holders of any other bonds then outstanding under the Indenture; <u>provided</u> that no such consent shall be effective to waive any past default under such covenants and provisions, and its consequences, unless the consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of all bonds then outstanding under the Indenture is obtained. Such covenants shall be deemed to be additional covenants and none of them shall affect or derogate from, or relieve the Company from, its obligation to comply with any of the other covenants, conditions, requirements or provisions of the Indenture or any other supplemental indenture.

**SECTION 2.** All terms contained in this supplemental indenture shall, except as specifically provided herein or except as the context may otherwise require, have the meanings given to such terms in the Indenture.

**SECTION 3.** In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this supplemental indenture should be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision contained in this supplemental indenture, and, to the extent, but only to the extent, that such provision is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, this supplemental indenture shall be construed as if such provision had never been contained herein.

**SECTION 4.** The Trustee hereby accepts the trusts herein declared and provided upon the terms and conditions in the Indenture set forth.

**SECTION 5.** This supplemental indenture may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be an original, and all collectively but one instrument. The words "execution," "signed," "signature," and words of like import in the Indenture shall include images of manually executed signatures transmitted by facsimile, email or other electronic format (including, without limitation, "pdf," "tif" or "jpg") and other electronic signatures (including without limitation, DocuSign and AdobeSign). The use of electronic signatures and electronic records (including, without limitation, any contract or other record created, generated, sent, communicated, received, or stored by electronic means) shall be of the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a manually executed signature or use of a paper-based record-keeping system to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act and any other applicable law, including, without limitation, any state law based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act or the Uniform Commercial Code. Without limitation to the foregoing, and anything in the Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, (a) any officers' certificate, Opinion of Counsel, Trustee's Certificate, Engineer's Certificate, Net Earnings Certificate, bond, certificate of authentication appearing on or attached to any bond, or other certificate, opinion of counsel, instrument, agreement or other document delivered pursuant to the Indenture may be executed, attested and transmitted by any of the foregoing electronic means and formats, (b) all references in Article Two or elsewhere in the Indenture to the execution, attestation or authentication of any bond or any certificate of authentication appearing on or attached to any bond by means of a manual or facsimile signature shall be deemed to include signatures that are made or transmitted by any of the foregoing electronic means or formats, and (c) any requirement in Article Two or elsewhere in the Indenture that any signature be made under a corporate seal (or facsimile thereof) shall not be applicable to the bonds of the 4.65% Series, the bonds of the 5.15% Series and the bonds of the 5.75% Series.

**SECTION 6.** In addition to the amendment provisions of the Indenture, the terms and conditions of this supplemental indenture and the bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series may be modified, amended or supplemented by the Company and the Trustee, without the consent of the holders of the bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series, and if not inconsistent with the Indenture, to cure ambiguities in this supplemental indenture or the bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series, or correct defects or inconsistencies in the provisions of this supplemental indenture or the bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series or to provide for such appropriate additional provisions in this supplemental indenture or the bonds of the 4.65% Series, the 5.15% Series or the 5.75% Series as are necessary for certificated bonds to be issued in lieu of Global Securities or to reflect additional provisions related to the issuance of Global Securities (including changes in the procedures of the Depositary).

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, the party of the first part hereto, has caused this supplemental indenture to be signed in its name by one of its Senior Vice Presidents and its company seal to be hereunto affixed, and the same to be attested by one of its Assistant Secretaries, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., the party of the second part hereto, in token of its acceptance of the trust hereby created, has caused this supplemental indenture to be signed in its name by one of its Vice Presidents and its company seal to be hereunto affixed, and the same to be attested by one of its Vice Presidents, all as of the day and year first above written.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC | DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC | DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC |
| By: | /s/ Nicholas J. Giaimo | /s/ Nicholas J. Giaimo |
|  | Name: | Nicholas J. Giaimo |
|  | Title: | Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Risk Officer |

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| |
|:---|
| ATTEST: |
| /s/ Elizabeth H. Jones |
| Name: Elizabeth H. Jones |
| Title: Assistant Secretary |
| Signed, sealed, executed, acknowledged |
| and delivered by Duke Energy |
| Carolinas, LLC, in the presence of: |
| /s/ Jennifer M. Choy |
| Jennifer M. Choy |
| /s/ Susan Ingram Dwyer |
| Susan Ingram Dwyer |

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[COMPANY'S SIGNATURE PAGE]

[ONE-HUNDRED AND THIRTEENTH SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

TO THE DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC FIRST AND REFUNDING MORTGAGE

DATED AS OF DECEMBER 1, 1927]

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., | The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., | The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., |
| as Trustee | as Trustee | as Trustee |
| By: | /s/ Ann M. Dolezal | /s/ Ann M. Dolezal |
|  | Name: | Ann M. Dolezal |
|  | Title: | Vice President |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| ATTEST: | ATTEST: |
| /s Mietka Collins | /s Mietka Collins |
| Name: | Mietka Collins |
| Title: | Vice President |
| Signed, sealed, executed, | Signed, sealed, executed, |
| acknowledged and delivered by The Bank of New York | acknowledged and delivered by The Bank of New York |
| Mellon Trust Company, N.A., | Mellon Trust Company, N.A., |
| in the presence of: | in the presence of: |
| /s/ Vincent Paglio | /s/ Vincent Paglio |
| Name: | Vincent Paglio |
| /s/ Zachary Smedsrud | /s/ Zachary Smedsrud |
| Name: | Zachary Smedsrud |

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[TRUSTEE'S SIGNATURE PAGE]

[ONE-HUNDRED AND THIRTEENTH SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

TO THE DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC FIRST AND REFUNDING MORTGAGE

DATED AS OF DECEMBER 1, 1927]

State of Illinois) ) ss.: <br> County of Cook)

Personally appeared before me, Vincent Paglio, and made oath that he is not a party to or beneficiary of the transaction and that he saw Ann M. Dolezal, a Vice President and Mietka Collins, a Vice President, respectively, of The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., sign, attest and affix hereto the corporate seal of said The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., and, as the act and deed of said corporation, deliver the within written and foregoing deed, and that he, with Zachary Smedsrud, witnessed the execution thereof.

[NOTARY SEAL]

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| |
|:---|
| Sworn and subscribed before me |
| this 3rd day of June, 2026. |
| /s/ Janice Coker |
| Janice Coker |
| Notary Public – State of Illinois |
| My Commission Expires Sep 12, 2026 |

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State of Illinois) ) ss.: <br> County of Cook)

I, Janice Coker, a Notary Public in and for the State aforesaid, certify that Mietka Collins personally came before me this day and acknowledged that she is a Vice President of The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., a national banking association, and that, by authority duly given and as the act of the corporation, the foregoing instrument was signed in its name by one of its Vice Presidents, sealed with its corporate seal, and attested by herself as one of its Vice Presidents.

Witness may hand and official seal, this 3rd day of June, 2026.

[NOTARY SEAL]

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| |
|:---|
| /s/ Janice Coker |
| Janice Coker |
| Notary Public – State of Illinois |
| My Commission Expires Sep 12, 2026 |

---

State of North Carolina) ) ss.: <br> County of Mecklenburg)

I, Jenny Pattana, a Notary Public in and for the State and County aforesaid, certify that Jennifer M. Choy personally appeared before me this day, and being duly sworn, stated that she is not a party to or beneficiary of the transaction and that in her presence Nicholas J. Giaimo, Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Risk Officer of Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, executed the foregoing instrument, and that she, with Susan Ingram Dwyer, witnessed the execution thereof.

Witness my hand and official seal, this 4th day of June, 2026.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | /s/ Jennifer M. Choy |
|  | Jennifer M. Choy |
| [NOTARY SEAL] |  |
|  | /s/ Jenny Pattana |
|  | Name: Jenny Pattana |
|  | Notary Public, State of North Carolina |
|  | Cabarrus County |
|  | My Commission Expires: June 8, 2030 |

---

State of North Carolina) ) ss.: <br> County of Mecklenburg)

I, Jenny Pattana, a Notary Public in and for the State and County aforesaid, certify that Elizabeth H. Jones personally came before me this day and acknowledged that she is an Assistant Secretary of Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company, and that, by authority duly given and as the act of the company, the foregoing instrument was signed in its name by one of its Senior Vice Presidents, sealed with its seal, and attested by herself as one of its Assistant Secretaries.

Witness my hand and official seal, this 4th day of June, 2026.

[NOTARY SEAL]

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| |
|:---|
| /s/ Jenny Pattana |
| Name: Jenny Pattana |
| Notary Public, State of North Carolina |
| Cabarrus County |
| My Commission Expires: June 8, 2030 |

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EXHIBIT A

FORM OF DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC<br> FIRST AND REFUNDING MORTGAGE BOND, 4.65% SERIES DUE 2031

[FACE SIDE OF BOND]

[DEPOSITORY LEGEND, IF APPLICABLE]<br> DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC

FIRST AND REFUNDING MORTGAGE BOND,<br> 4.65% SERIES DUE 2031

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| No. | $|

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CUSIP No. 26442C BR4

ISIN US26442CBR43

Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company (hereinafter called the "Company"), for value received, hereby promises to pay to or registered assigns, the principal sum of Dollars on June 15, 2031 in any coin or currency of the United States of America which at the time of payment shall be legal tender for the payment of public and private debts, at the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, and to pay interest thereon at said office or agency from the interest payment date next preceding the date hereof to which interest on outstanding bonds of this series has been paid (unless the date hereof is prior to December 15, 2026, in which case from June 5, 2026, and unless the date hereof is subsequent to a record date (as defined below) and prior to the next succeeding June 15 or December 15, in which case from the next succeeding June 15 or December 15 as the case may be), at the rate of 4.65% per annum, in like coin or currency, semi-annually on June 15 and December 15, in each year, commencing December 15, 2026, until the principal hereof shall become due and payable. Such interest payments shall be made to the person in whose name this bond is registered at the close of business on the record date (as defined below) for such interest payment date, which will be the close of business on (i) the business day immediately preceding such interest payment date so long as the bonds of the 4.65% Series remain in book-entry only form or (ii) the fifteenth calendar day, whether or not a business day, immediately preceding such interest payment date if any of the bonds of the 4.65% Series do not remain in book-entry only form (each of (i) or (ii), a "record date") (subject to certain exceptions provided in the Indenture hereinafter mentioned), at his last address as it shall appear upon the bond register of the Company.

The provisions of this bond are continued on the reverse hereof and such continued provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as though fully set forth in this place.

This bond shall not become or be valid or obligatory for any purpose until the Trustee shall have signed the form of certificate endorsed hereon.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be signed in its name by its President or one of its Vice Presidents, manually or by facsimile signature, and its company seal to be hereto affixed, or a facsimile thereof to be hereon engraved, lithographed or printed, and to be attested by the manual or facsimile signature of its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries.

Dated:

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|:---|:---|
| DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC | DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC |
| By: |  |
|  | Name: |
|  | Title: |

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|:---|
| ATTEST: |
| Name: |
| Title: |

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CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

This bond is one of the bonds, of the series designated therein, described in the within-mentioned Indenture.

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|:---|:---|
| The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., | The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., |
| as Trustee | as Trustee |
| By: |  |
|  | Authorized Signatory |

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[REVERSE SIDE OF BOND]

This bond is one of the bonds of a series, designated specially as First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 4.65% Series due 2031, of an authorized issue of bonds of the Company, without limit as to aggregate principal amount, designated generally as First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, all issued and to be issued under and equally and ratably secured by a First and Refunding Mortgage dated as of December 1, 1927, duly executed by Duke Power Company, a New Jersey corporation (hereinafter called the "New Jersey Company"), to Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Trustee (The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee), as supplemented and modified by indentures supplemental thereto, including a supplemental indenture dated as of June 5, 2026 providing for said series (said First and Refunding Mortgage as so supplemented and modified being hereinafter referred to as the "Indenture"), to which Indenture reference is made for a description of the property mortgaged, the nature and extent of the security, the rights of the holders of the bonds in respect thereof, the terms and conditions upon which the bonds are secured and the restrictions subject to which additional bonds secured thereby may be issued. To the extent permitted by, and as provided in, the Indenture, modifications or alterations of the Indenture, or of any indenture supplemental thereto, and of the rights and obligations of the Company and of the holders of the bonds, may be made with the consent of the Company by the affirmative vote, or with the written consent, of the holders of not less than 66 2/3% in principal amount of the bonds then outstanding, and by the affirmative vote, or with the written consent, of the holders of not less than 66 2/3% in principal amount of the bonds of any series then outstanding and affected by such modification or alteration, in case one or more but less than all of the series of bonds then outstanding under the Indenture are so affected, evidenced, in each case, as provided in the Indenture; <u>provided</u> that any supplemental indenture may be modified in accordance with the provisions contained therein for its modification; and provided, further, that no such modification or alteration shall be made which will affect the terms of payment of the principal of, or interest or premium on, this bond, or the right of any bondholder to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the respective due dates expressed in this bond, or reduce the percentage required for the taking of any such action. Any such affirmative vote of, or written consent given by, any holder of this bond is binding upon all subsequent holders hereof as provided in the Indenture.

In case an event of default as defined in the Indenture shall occur, the principal of all the bonds outstanding thereunder may become or be declared due and payable at the time, in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

Prior to May 15, 2031 (the "Par Call Date"), the Company may redeem at its option the bonds of the 4.65% Series, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of: (a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date (assuming the bonds of the 4.65% Series matured on the Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate applicable to the bonds of the 4.65% Series plus 10 basis points less (b) interest accrued to the redemption date; and 100% of the principal amount of the bonds of the 4.65% Series to be redeemed, plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date. The Company shall notify the Trustee of the redemption price with respect to any redemption pursuant to this paragraph promptly after the calculation thereof. The Trustee shall not be responsible for calculating said redemption price.

On or after the Par Call Date, the Company may redeem at its option the bonds of the 4.65% Series, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the bonds of the 4.65% Series to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date.

"Business day" means any day other than a day on which banks in New York City are required or authorized to be closed.

"Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any redemption date, the yield determined by the Company in accordance with the following two paragraphs.

The Treasury Rate shall be determined by the Company after 4:15 p.m., New York City time (or after such time as yields on U.S. government securities are posted daily by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), on the third business day preceding the redemption date based upon the yield or yields for the most recent day that appear after such time on such day in the most recent statistical release published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System designated as "Selected Interest Rates (Daily)—H.15" (or any successor designation or publication) ("H.15") under the caption "U.S. government securities—Treasury constant maturities — Nominal" (or any successor caption or heading) ("H.15 TCM"). In determining the Treasury Rate, the Company shall select, as applicable:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· the yield for the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the
period from the redemption date to the Par Call Date (the "Remaining Life"); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the
Remaining Life, the two yields—one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately shorter than and one
yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately longer than such Remaining Life—and shall interpolate
to the Par Call Date on a straight-line basis (using the actual number of days) using such yields and rounding the result to three decimal
places; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 shorter than or longer
than the Remaining Life, the yield for the single Treasury constant maturity on H.15 closest to such Remaining Life. For purposes of this
clause, the applicable Treasury constant maturity or maturities on H.15 shall be deemed to have a maturity date equal to the relevant
number of months or years, as applicable, of such Treasury constant maturity from the redemption date.

If on the third business day preceding the redemption date H.15 TCM is no longer published, the Company shall calculate the Treasury Rate based on the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the second business day preceding such redemption date of the United States Treasury security maturing on, or with a maturity that is closest to, the Par Call Date. If there is no United States Treasury security maturing on the Par Call Date but there are two or more United States Treasury securities with a maturity date equally distant from the Par Call Date, one with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date and one with a maturity date following the Par Call Date, the Company shall select the United States Treasury security with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date. If there are two or more United States Treasury securities maturing on the Par Call Date or two or more United States Treasury securities meeting the criteria of the preceding sentence, the Company shall select from among these two or more United States Treasury securities the United States Treasury security that is trading closest to par based upon the average of the bid and asked prices for such United States Treasury securities at 11:00 a.m., New York City time. In determining the Treasury Rate in accordance with the terms of this paragraph, the semi-annual yield to maturity of the applicable United States Treasury security shall be based upon the average of the bid and asked prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, of such United States Treasury security, and rounded to three decimal places.

The Company's actions and determinations in determining the redemption price shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty whatsoever to determine, or to verify the Company's calculations of, the redemption price.

If a Tax Credit Event (as defined below) occurs, the Company may redeem, upon the sending of a notice of redemption to the holders of the bonds of this series, the bonds of this series in whole but not in part at a redemption price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the bonds of this series being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the redemption date. A notice of redemption of the bonds of this series upon the occurrence of a Tax Credit Event (i) may only be sent by the later of (a) the end of the calendar year in which the bonds of this series were issued and (b) six months from the date of issuance of the bonds of this series and (ii) shall be accompanied by a certificate from an officer of the Company stating that a Tax Credit Event has occurred.

The consummation of a redemption upon a Tax Credit Event may be subject to the Trustee's receipt of the required redemption moneys on or before the redemption date (and in such case no such redemption shall occur unless such moneys have been received by the Trustee on or before such date).

A "Tax Credit Event" occurs with respect to the bonds of this series if, in the Company's reasonable determination, there exists a material risk, due to the bonds of this series (considered together with other debt) having been issued, as part of an original issuance, to one or more "specified foreign entities," as defined in Section 7701(a)(51)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), that the Company or any of its affiliates would be unable to utilize or otherwise ineligible to claim any tax credits otherwise allowed under Section 38 of the Code.

The bonds of this series are also subject to redemption for the Replacement Fund for bonds of this series provided for in the supplemental indenture dated as of June 5, 2026, providing for this series, or upon application of moneys arising from a taking of any of the mortgaged property by eminent domain or similar action, at any time or from time to time prior to maturity, at 100% of their principal amount, in each case together with accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption.

Redemption is in every case to be effected at the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, upon at least ten, but not more than sixty, days' prior notice, given by mail as more fully provided in the Indenture.

If this bond or any portion hereof ($2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof) is called for redemption and payment is duly provided, this bond or such portion thereof shall cease to bear interest from and after the date fixed for such redemption.

This bond is transferable, as provided in the Indenture, by the registered owner hereof in person or by duly authorized attorney, at the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, upon surrender and cancellation of this bond, and thereupon a new bond of the same series and of like aggregate principal amount will be issued to the transferee in exchange herefor as provided in the Indenture; or the registered owner of this bond, at his option, may surrender the same for cancellation at said office or agency of the Company and receive in exchange herefor the same aggregate principal amount of bonds of the same series of authorized denominations; all subject to the terms of the Indenture but without payment of any charges other than a sum sufficient to reimburse the Company for any stamp taxes or other governmental charges incident thereto.

This bond is a company obligation only and no recourse whatsoever, either directly or through the Company or any trustee, receiver, assignee or any other person, shall be had for the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on this bond, or for the enforcement of any claim based hereon, or otherwise in respect hereof or of the Indenture, against any promoter, subscriber to the capital stock, incorporator, or any past, present or future stockholder, member, officer or director of the Company as such, or of any successor or predecessor corporation or entity, whether by virtue of any constitutional provision, statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment, penalty, subscription or otherwise, any and all such liability of promoters, subscribers, incorporators, stockholders, members, officers and directors being waived and released by each successive holder hereof by the acceptance of this bond, and as a part of the consideration for the issue hereof, and being likewise waived and released by the terms of the Indenture.

[END OF BOND FORM]

ABBREVIATIONS

The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this instrument, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:

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| TEN COM — as tenants in common | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; UNIF GIFT MIN ACT - ______Custodian ______<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Cust) (Minor) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; UNIF GIFT MIN ACT - ______Custodian ______<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Cust) (Minor) |
| TEN ENT — as tenants by the entireties | | |
| JT TEN — as joint tenants with rights of survivorship and not as tenants in common |  | under Uniform Gifts to<br> Minors Act<br>|
|  |  | (State) |

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Additional abbreviations may also be used though not on the above list.

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sell(s) and transfer(s) unto (please insert Social Security or other identifying number of assignee)

PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP CODE OF ASSIGNEE

the within bond and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing agent to transfer said bond on the books of the Company, with full power of substitution in the premises.

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|:---|:---|
| Dated: |  |
|  | NOTICE: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the within instrument in every particular without alteration or enlargement, or any change whatever. |
|  | Signature Guarantee: |

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SIGNATURE GUARANTEE

Signatures must be guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor institution" meeting the requirements of the Trustee, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program ("STAMP") or such other "signature guarantee program" as may be determined by the Trustee in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

EXHIBIT B

FORM OF DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC<br> FIRST AND REFUNDING MORTGAGE BOND, 5.15% SERIES DUE 2036

[FACE SIDE OF BOND]

[DEPOSITORY LEGEND, IF APPLICABLE]<br> DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC

FIRST AND REFUNDING MORTGAGE BOND,<br> 5.15% SERIES DUE 2036

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| No. | $|

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CUSIP No. 26442C BS2

ISIN US26442CBS26

Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company (hereinafter called the "Company"), for value received, hereby promises to pay to or registered assigns, the principal sum of Dollars on June 15, 2036 in any coin or currency of the United States of America which at the time of payment shall be legal tender for the payment of public and private debts, at the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, and to pay interest thereon at said office or agency from the interest payment date next preceding the date hereof to which interest on outstanding bonds of this series has been paid (unless the date hereof is prior to December 15, 2026, in which case from June 5, 2026, and unless the date hereof is subsequent to a record date (as defined below) and prior to the next succeeding June 15 or December 15, in which case from the next succeeding June 15 or December 15 as the case may be), at the rate of 5.15% per annum, in like coin or currency, semi-annually on June 15 and December 15, in each year, commencing December 15, 2026, until the principal hereof shall become due and payable. Such interest payments shall be made to the person in whose name this bond is registered at the close of business on the record date (as defined below) for such interest payment date, which will be the close of business on (i) the business day immediately preceding such interest payment date so long as the bonds of the 5.15% Series remain in book-entry only form or (ii) the fifteenth calendar day, whether or not a business day, immediately preceding such interest payment date if any of the bonds of the 5.15% Series do not remain in book-entry only form (each of (i) or (ii), a "record date") (subject to certain exceptions provided in the Indenture hereinafter mentioned), at his last address as it shall appear upon the bond register of the Company.

The provisions of this bond are continued on the reverse hereof and such continued provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as though fully set forth in this place.

This bond shall not become or be valid or obligatory for any purpose until the Trustee shall have signed the form of certificate endorsed hereon.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be signed in its name by its President or one of its Vice Presidents, manually or by facsimile signature, and its company seal to be hereto affixed, or a facsimile thereof to be hereon engraved, lithographed or printed, and to be attested by the manual or facsimile signature of its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries.

Dated:

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|:---|:---|
| DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC | DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC |
| By: |  |
|  | Name: |
|  | Title: |

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|:---|
| ATTEST: |
| Name: |
| Title: |

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CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

This bond is one of the bonds, of the series designated therein, described in the within-mentioned Indenture.

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|:---|:---|
| The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., | The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., |
| as Trustee | as Trustee |
| By: |  |
|  | Authorized Signatory |

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[REVERSE SIDE OF BOND]

This bond is one of the bonds of a series, designated specially as First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 5.15% Series due 2036, of an authorized issue of bonds of the Company, without limit as to aggregate principal amount, designated generally as First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, all issued and to be issued under and equally and ratably secured by a First and Refunding Mortgage dated as of December 1, 1927, duly executed by Duke Power Company, a New Jersey corporation (hereinafter called the "New Jersey Company"), to Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Trustee (The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee), as supplemented and modified by indentures supplemental thereto, including a supplemental indenture dated as of June 5, 2026 providing for said series (said First and Refunding Mortgage as so supplemented and modified being hereinafter referred to as the "Indenture"), to which Indenture reference is made for a description of the property mortgaged, the nature and extent of the security, the rights of the holders of the bonds in respect thereof, the terms and conditions upon which the bonds are secured and the restrictions subject to which additional bonds secured thereby may be issued. To the extent permitted by, and as provided in, the Indenture, modifications or alterations of the Indenture, or of any indenture supplemental thereto, and of the rights and obligations of the Company and of the holders of the bonds, may be made with the consent of the Company by the affirmative vote, or with the written consent, of the holders of not less than 66 2/3% in principal amount of the bonds then outstanding, and by the affirmative vote, or with the written consent, of the holders of not less than 66 2/3% in principal amount of the bonds of any series then outstanding and affected by such modification or alteration, in case one or more but less than all of the series of bonds then outstanding under the Indenture are so affected, evidenced, in each case, as provided in the Indenture; <u>provided</u> that any supplemental indenture may be modified in accordance with the provisions contained therein for its modification; and provided, further, that no such modification or alteration shall be made which will affect the terms of payment of the principal of, or interest or premium on, this bond, or the right of any bondholder to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the respective due dates expressed in this bond, or reduce the percentage required for the taking of any such action. Any such affirmative vote of, or written consent given by, any holder of this bond is binding upon all subsequent holders hereof as provided in the Indenture.

In case an event of default as defined in the Indenture shall occur, the principal of all the bonds outstanding thereunder may become or be declared due and payable at the time, in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

Prior to March 15, 2036 (the "Par Call Date"), the Company may redeem at its option the bonds of the 5.15% Series, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of: (a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date (assuming the bonds of the 5.15% Series matured on the Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate applicable to the bonds of the 5.15% Series plus 15 basis points less (b) interest accrued to the redemption date; and 100% of the principal amount of the bonds of the 5.15% Series to be redeemed, plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date. The Company shall notify the Trustee of the redemption price with respect to any redemption pursuant to this paragraph promptly after the calculation thereof. The Trustee shall not be responsible for calculating said redemption price.

On or after the Par Call Date, the Company may redeem at its option the bonds of the 5.15% Series, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the bonds of the 5.15% Series to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date.

"Business day" means any day other than a day on which banks in New York City are required or authorized to be closed.

"Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any redemption date, the yield determined by the Company in accordance with the following two paragraphs.

The Treasury Rate shall be determined by the Company after 4:15 p.m., New York City time (or after such time as yields on U.S. government securities are posted daily by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), on the third business day preceding the redemption date based upon the yield or yields for the most recent day that appear after such time on such day in the most recent statistical release published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System designated as "Selected Interest Rates (Daily)—H.15" (or any successor designation or publication) ("H.15") under the caption "U.S. government securities—Treasury constant maturities — Nominal" (or any successor caption or heading) ("H.15 TCM"). In determining the Treasury Rate, the Company shall select, as applicable:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· the yield for the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the
period from the redemption date to the Par Call Date (the "Remaining Life"); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the
Remaining Life, the two yields—one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately shorter than and one
yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately longer than such Remaining Life—and shall interpolate
to the Par Call Date on a straight-line basis (using the actual number of days) using such yields and rounding the result to three decimal
places; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 shorter than or longer
than the Remaining Life, the yield for the single Treasury constant maturity on H.15 closest to such Remaining Life. For purposes of this
clause, the applicable Treasury constant maturity or maturities on H.15 shall be deemed to have a maturity date equal to the relevant
number of months or years, as applicable, of such Treasury constant maturity from the redemption date.

If on the third business day preceding the redemption date H.15 TCM is no longer published, the Company shall calculate the Treasury Rate based on the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the second business day preceding such redemption date of the United States Treasury security maturing on, or with a maturity that is closest to, the Par Call Date. If there is no United States Treasury security maturing on the Par Call Date but there are two or more United States Treasury securities with a maturity date equally distant from the Par Call Date, one with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date and one with a maturity date following the Par Call Date, the Company shall select the United States Treasury security with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date. If there are two or more United States Treasury securities maturing on the Par Call Date or two or more United States Treasury securities meeting the criteria of the preceding sentence, the Company shall select from among these two or more United States Treasury securities the United States Treasury security that is trading closest to par based upon the average of the bid and asked prices for such United States Treasury securities at 11:00 a.m., New York City time. In determining the Treasury Rate in accordance with the terms of this paragraph, the semi-annual yield to maturity of the applicable United States Treasury security shall be based upon the average of the bid and asked prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, of such United States Treasury security, and rounded to three decimal places.

The Company's actions and determinations in determining the redemption price shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty whatsoever to determine, or to verify the Company's calculations of, the redemption price.

If a Tax Credit Event (as defined below) occurs, the Company may redeem, upon the sending of a notice of redemption to the holders of the bonds of this series, the bonds of this series in whole but not in part at a redemption price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the bonds of this series being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the redemption date. A notice of redemption of the bonds of this series upon the occurrence of a Tax Credit Event (i) may only be sent by the later of (a) the end of the calendar year in which the bonds of this series were issued and (b) six months from the date of issuance of the bonds of this series and (ii) shall be accompanied by a certificate from an officer of the Company stating that a Tax Credit Event has occurred.

The consummation of a redemption upon a Tax Credit Event may be subject to the Trustee's receipt of the required redemption moneys on or before the redemption date (and in such case no such redemption shall occur unless such moneys have been received by the Trustee on or before such date).

A "Tax Credit Event" occurs with respect to the bonds of this series if, in the Company's reasonable determination, there exists a material risk, due to the bonds of this series (considered together with other debt) having been issued, as part of an original issuance, to one or more "specified foreign entities," as defined in Section 7701(a)(51)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), that the Company or any of its affiliates would be unable to utilize or otherwise ineligible to claim any tax credits otherwise allowed under Section 38 of the Code.

The bonds of this series are also subject to redemption for the Replacement Fund for bonds of this series provided for in the supplemental indenture dated as of June 5, 2026, providing for this series, or upon application of moneys arising from a taking of any of the mortgaged property by eminent domain or similar action, at any time or from time to time prior to maturity, at 100% of their principal amount, in each case together with accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption.

Redemption is in every case to be effected at the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, upon at least ten, but not more than sixty, days' prior notice, given by mail as more fully provided in the Indenture.

If this bond or any portion hereof ($2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof) is called for redemption and payment is duly provided, this bond or such portion thereof shall cease to bear interest from and after the date fixed for such redemption.

This bond is transferable, as provided in the Indenture, by the registered owner hereof in person or by duly authorized attorney, at the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, upon surrender and cancellation of this bond, and thereupon a new bond of the same series and of like aggregate principal amount will be issued to the transferee in exchange herefor as provided in the Indenture; or the registered owner of this bond, at his option, may surrender the same for cancellation at said office or agency of the Company and receive in exchange herefor the same aggregate principal amount of bonds of the same series of authorized denominations; all subject to the terms of the Indenture but without payment of any charges other than a sum sufficient to reimburse the Company for any stamp taxes or other governmental charges incident thereto.

This bond is a company obligation only and no recourse whatsoever, either directly or through the Company or any trustee, receiver, assignee or any other person, shall be had for the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on this bond, or for the enforcement of any claim based hereon, or otherwise in respect hereof or of the Indenture, against any promoter, subscriber to the capital stock, incorporator, or any past, present or future stockholder, member, officer or director of the Company as such, or of any successor or predecessor corporation or entity, whether by virtue of any constitutional provision, statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment, penalty, subscription or otherwise, any and all such liability of promoters, subscribers, incorporators, stockholders, members, officers and directors being waived and released by each successive holder hereof by the acceptance of this bond, and as a part of the consideration for the issue hereof, and being likewise waived and released by the terms of the Indenture.

[END OF BOND FORM]

ABBREVIATIONS

The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this instrument, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| TEN COM — as tenants in common | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; UNIF GIFT MIN ACT - ______Custodian ______<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Cust) (Minor) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; UNIF GIFT MIN ACT - ______Custodian ______<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Cust) (Minor) |
| TEN ENT — as tenants by the entireties | | |
| JT TEN — as joint tenants with rights of survivorship and not as tenants in common |  | under Uniform Gifts to<br> Minors Act<br>|
|  |  | (State) |

---

Additional abbreviations may also be used though not on the above list.

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sell(s) and transfer(s) unto (please insert Social Security or other identifying number of assignee)

PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP CODE OF ASSIGNEE

the within bond and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing agent to transfer said bond on the books of the Company, with full power of substitution in the premises.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Dated: |  |
|  | NOTICE: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the within instrument in every particular without alteration or enlargement, or any change whatever. |
|  | Signature Guarantee: |

---

SIGNATURE GUARANTEE

Signatures must be guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor institution" meeting the requirements of the Trustee, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program ("STAMP") or such other "signature guarantee program" as may be determined by the Trustee in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

EXHIBIT C

FORM OF DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC<br> FIRST AND REFUNDING MORTGAGE BOND, 5.75% SERIES DUE 2056

[FACE SIDE OF BOND]

[DEPOSITORY LEGEND, IF APPLICABLE]<br> DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC

FIRST AND REFUNDING MORTGAGE BOND,<br> 5.75% SERIES DUE 2056

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| No. | $|

---

CUSIP No. 26442C BT0

ISIN US26442CBT09

Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company (hereinafter called the "Company"), for value received, hereby promises to pay to or registered assigns, the principal sum of Dollars on June 15, 2056 in any coin or currency of the United States of America which at the time of payment shall be legal tender for the payment of public and private debts, at the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, and to pay interest thereon at said office or agency from the interest payment date next preceding the date hereof to which interest on outstanding bonds of this series has been paid (unless the date hereof is prior to December 15, 2026, in which case from June 5, 2026, and unless the date hereof is subsequent to a record date (as defined below) and prior to the next succeeding June 15 or December 15, in which case from the next succeeding June 15 or December 15 as the case may be), at the rate of 5.75% per annum, in like coin or currency, semi-annually on June 15 and December 15, in each year, commencing December 15, 2026, until the principal hereof shall become due and payable. Such interest payments shall be made to the person in whose name this bond is registered at the close of business on the record date (as defined below) for such interest payment date, which will be the close of business on (i) the business day immediately preceding such interest payment date so long as the bonds of the 5.75% Series remain in book-entry only form or (ii) the fifteenth calendar day, whether or not a business day, immediately preceding such interest payment date if any of the bonds of the 5.75% Series do not remain in book-entry only form (each of (i) or (ii), a "record date") (subject to certain exceptions provided in the Indenture hereinafter mentioned), at his last address as it shall appear upon the bond register of the Company.

The provisions of this bond are continued on the reverse hereof and such continued provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as though fully set forth in this place.

This bond shall not become or be valid or obligatory for any purpose until the Trustee shall have signed the form of certificate endorsed hereon.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be signed in its name by its President or one of its Vice Presidents, manually or by facsimile signature, and its company seal to be hereto affixed, or a facsimile thereof to be hereon engraved, lithographed or printed, and to be attested by the manual or facsimile signature of its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries.

Dated:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC | DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC |
| By: |  |
|  | Name: |
|  | Title: |

---

---

| |
|:---|
| ATTEST: |
| Name: |
| Title: |

---

CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

This bond is one of the bonds, of the series designated therein, described in the within-mentioned Indenture.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., | The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., |
| as Trustee | as Trustee |
| By: |  |
|  | Authorized Signatory |

---

[REVERSE SIDE OF BOND]

This bond is one of the bonds of a series, designated specially as First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 5.75% Series due 2056, of an authorized issue of bonds of the Company, without limit as to aggregate principal amount, designated generally as First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, all issued and to be issued under and equally and ratably secured by a First and Refunding Mortgage dated as of December 1, 1927, duly executed by Duke Power Company, a New Jersey corporation (hereinafter called the "New Jersey Company"), to Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Trustee (The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee), as supplemented and modified by indentures supplemental thereto, including a supplemental indenture dated as of June 5, 2026 providing for said series (said First and Refunding Mortgage as so supplemented and modified being hereinafter referred to as the "Indenture"), to which Indenture reference is made for a description of the property mortgaged, the nature and extent of the security, the rights of the holders of the bonds in respect thereof, the terms and conditions upon which the bonds are secured and the restrictions subject to which additional bonds secured thereby may be issued. To the extent permitted by, and as provided in, the Indenture, modifications or alterations of the Indenture, or of any indenture supplemental thereto, and of the rights and obligations of the Company and of the holders of the bonds, may be made with the consent of the Company by the affirmative vote, or with the written consent, of the holders of not less than 66 2/3% in principal amount of the bonds then outstanding, and by the affirmative vote, or with the written consent, of the holders of not less than 66 2/3% in principal amount of the bonds of any series then outstanding and affected by such modification or alteration, in case one or more but less than all of the series of bonds then outstanding under the Indenture are so affected, evidenced, in each case, as provided in the Indenture; <u>provided</u> that any supplemental indenture may be modified in accordance with the provisions contained therein for its modification; and provided, further, that no such modification or alteration shall be made which will affect the terms of payment of the principal of, or interest or premium on, this bond, or the right of any bondholder to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the respective due dates expressed in this bond, or reduce the percentage required for the taking of any such action. Any such affirmative vote of, or written consent given by, any holder of this bond is binding upon all subsequent holders hereof as provided in the Indenture.

In case an event of default as defined in the Indenture shall occur, the principal of all the bonds outstanding thereunder may become or be declared due and payable at the time, in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

Prior to December 15, 2055 (the "Par Call Date"), the Company may redeem at its option the bonds of the 5.75% Series, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of: (a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date (assuming the bonds of the 5.75% Series matured on the Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate applicable to the bonds of the 5.75% Series plus 15 basis points less (b) interest accrued to the redemption date; and 100% of the principal amount of the bonds of the 5.75% Series to be redeemed, plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date. The Company shall notify the Trustee of the redemption price with respect to any redemption pursuant to this paragraph promptly after the calculation thereof. The Trustee shall not be responsible for calculating said redemption price.

On or after the Par Call Date, the Company may redeem at its option the bonds of the 5.75% Series, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the bonds of the 5.75% Series to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date.

"Business day" means any day other than a day on which banks in New York City are required or authorized to be closed.

"Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any redemption date, the yield determined by the Company in accordance with the following two paragraphs.

The Treasury Rate shall be determined by the Company after 4:15 p.m., New York City time (or after such time as yields on U.S. government securities are posted daily by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), on the third business day preceding the redemption date based upon the yield or yields for the most recent day that appear after such time on such day in the most recent statistical release published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System designated as "Selected Interest Rates (Daily)—H.15" (or any successor designation or publication) ("H.15") under the caption "U.S. government securities—Treasury constant maturities — Nominal" (or any successor caption or heading) ("H.15 TCM"). In determining the Treasury Rate, the Company shall select, as applicable:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· the yield for the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the
period from the redemption date to the Par Call Date (the "Remaining Life"); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the
Remaining Life, the two yields—one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately shorter than and one
yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately longer than such Remaining Life—and shall interpolate
to the Par Call Date on a straight-line basis (using the actual number of days) using such yields and rounding the result to three decimal
places; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 shorter than or longer
than the Remaining Life, the yield for the single Treasury constant maturity on H.15 closest to such Remaining Life. For purposes of this
clause, the applicable Treasury constant maturity or maturities on H.15 shall be deemed to have a maturity date equal to the relevant
number of months or years, as applicable, of such Treasury constant maturity from the redemption date.

If on the third business day preceding the redemption date H.15 TCM is no longer published, the Company shall calculate the Treasury Rate based on the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the second business day preceding such redemption date of the United States Treasury security maturing on, or with a maturity that is closest to, the Par Call Date. If there is no United States Treasury security maturing on the Par Call Date but there are two or more United States Treasury securities with a maturity date equally distant from the Par Call Date, one with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date and one with a maturity date following the Par Call Date, the Company shall select the United States Treasury security with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date. If there are two or more United States Treasury securities maturing on the Par Call Date or two or more United States Treasury securities meeting the criteria of the preceding sentence, the Company shall select from among these two or more United States Treasury securities the United States Treasury security that is trading closest to par based upon the average of the bid and asked prices for such United States Treasury securities at 11:00 a.m., New York City time. In determining the Treasury Rate in accordance with the terms of this paragraph, the semi-annual yield to maturity of the applicable United States Treasury security shall be based upon the average of the bid and asked prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, of such United States Treasury security, and rounded to three decimal places.

The Company's actions and determinations in determining the redemption price shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty whatsoever to determine, or to verify the Company's calculations of, the redemption price.

If a Tax Credit Event (as defined below) occurs, the Company may redeem, upon the sending of a notice of redemption to the holders of the bonds of this series, the bonds of this series in whole but not in part at a redemption price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the bonds of this series being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the redemption date. A notice of redemption of the bonds of this series upon the occurrence of a Tax Credit Event (i) may only be sent by the later of (a) the end of the calendar year in which the bonds of this series were issued and (b) six months from the date of issuance of the bonds of this series and (ii) shall be accompanied by a certificate from an officer of the Company stating that a Tax Credit Event has occurred.

The consummation of a redemption upon a Tax Credit Event may be subject to the Trustee's receipt of the required redemption moneys on or before the redemption date (and in such case no such redemption shall occur unless such moneys have been received by the Trustee on or before such date).

A "Tax Credit Event" occurs with respect to the bonds of this series if, in the Company's reasonable determination, there exists a material risk, due to the bonds of this series (considered together with other debt) having been issued, as part of an original issuance, to one or more "specified foreign entities," as defined in Section 7701(a)(51)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), that the Company or any of its affiliates would be unable to utilize or otherwise ineligible to claim any tax credits otherwise allowed under Section 38 of the Code.

The bonds of this series are also subject to redemption for the Replacement Fund for bonds of this series provided for in the supplemental indenture dated as of June 5, 2026, providing for this series, or upon application of moneys arising from a taking of any of the mortgaged property by eminent domain or similar action, at any time or from time to time prior to maturity, at 100% of their principal amount, in each case together with accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption.

Redemption is in every case to be effected at the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, upon at least ten, but not more than sixty, days' prior notice, given by mail as more fully provided in the Indenture.

If this bond or any portion hereof ($2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof) is called for redemption and payment is duly provided, this bond or such portion thereof shall cease to bear interest from and after the date fixed for such redemption.

This bond is transferable, as provided in the Indenture, by the registered owner hereof in person or by duly authorized attorney, at the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, upon surrender and cancellation of this bond, and thereupon a new bond of the same series and of like aggregate principal amount will be issued to the transferee in exchange herefor as provided in the Indenture; or the registered owner of this bond, at his option, may surrender the same for cancellation at said office or agency of the Company and receive in exchange herefor the same aggregate principal amount of bonds of the same series of authorized denominations; all subject to the terms of the Indenture but without payment of any charges other than a sum sufficient to reimburse the Company for any stamp taxes or other governmental charges incident thereto.

This bond is a company obligation only and no recourse whatsoever, either directly or through the Company or any trustee, receiver, assignee or any other person, shall be had for the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on this bond, or for the enforcement of any claim based hereon, or otherwise in respect hereof or of the Indenture, against any promoter, subscriber to the capital stock, incorporator, or any past, present or future stockholder, member, officer or director of the Company as such, or of any successor or predecessor corporation or entity, whether by virtue of any constitutional provision, statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment, penalty, subscription or otherwise, any and all such liability of promoters, subscribers, incorporators, stockholders, members, officers and directors being waived and released by each successive holder hereof by the acceptance of this bond, and as a part of the consideration for the issue hereof, and being likewise waived and released by the terms of the Indenture.

[END OF BOND FORM]

ABBREVIATIONS

The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this instrument, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| TEN COM — as tenants in common | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; UNIF GIFT MIN ACT - ______Custodian ______<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Cust) (Minor) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; UNIF GIFT MIN ACT - ______Custodian ______<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Cust) (Minor) |
| TEN ENT — as tenants by the entireties | | |
| JT TEN — as joint tenants with rights of survivorship and not as tenants in common |  | under Uniform Gifts to<br> Minors Act<br>|
|  |  | (State) |

---

Additional abbreviations may also be used though not on the above list.

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sell(s) and transfer(s) unto (please insert Social Security or other identifying number of assignee)

PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP CODE OF ASSIGNEE

the within bond and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing agent to transfer said bond on the books of the Company, with full power of substitution in the premises.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Dated: |  |
|  | NOTICE: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the within instrument in every particular without alteration or enlargement, or any change whatever. |
|  | Signature Guarantee: |

---

SIGNATURE GUARANTEE

Signatures must be guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor institution" meeting the requirements of the Trustee, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program ("STAMP") or such other "signature guarantee program" as may be determined by the Trustee in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

## Exhibit 5.1

**Exhibit 5.1**

**DUKE ENERGY BUSINESS SERVICES LLC**

525 South Tryon Street<br> Charlotte, North Carolina 28202-1803

June 5, 2026

Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC

525 South Tryon Street<br> Charlotte, North Carolina 28202-1803

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Re: | Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC $400,000,000 First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 4.65% Series due 2031, $1,000,000,000 First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 5.15% Series due 2036 and $1,000,000,000 First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 5.75% Series due 2056 |

---

To the Addressee:

I am Deputy General Counsel of Duke Energy Business Services LLC, the service company affiliate of Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company (the "Company"), and in such capacity I have acted as counsel to the Company in connection with the public offerings of $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company's First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 4.65% Series due 2031, $1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company's First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 5.15% Series due 2036 and $1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company's First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 5.75% Series due 2056 (collectively, the "Securities") to be issued pursuant to a First and Refunding Mortgage, dated as of December 1, 1927, (the "Original Mortgage") between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the "Trustee"), as amended and supplemented by various supplemental indentures including by the One-Hundred and Thirteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 5, 2026, relating to the Securities (the "One-Hundred and Thirteenth Supplemental Indenture") (as so amended and supplemented, the "Mortgage"). On June 2, 2026, the Company entered into an Underwriting Agreement (the "Underwriting Agreement") with CIBC World Markets Corp., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, PNC Capital Markets LLC, RBC Capital Markets, LLC, SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc., TD Securities (USA) LLC, Truist Securities, Inc. and U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc., as representatives of the several underwriters named therein (the "Underwriters"), relating to the sale by the Company to the Underwriters of the Securities.

This opinion is being delivered in accordance with the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").

I am a member of the bar of the State of North Carolina and my opinion set forth herein is limited to North Carolina limited liability company law. I do not express any opinion with respect to any other law of the State of North Carolina or any other jurisdiction, or as to the effect thereof on the opinion herein stated. The Mortgage and the forms of Securities do not include provisions specifying the governing law. For purposes of my opinions, I have assumed that the Mortgage and the Securities are governed exclusively by the internal substantive laws and judicial interpretations of the State of North Carolina.

In rendering the opinions set forth herein, I or attorneys under my supervision (with whom I have consulted) have examined and are familiar with originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-290475-05) of the Company originally filed on September 24, 2025 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Act, as amended by Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the registration statement filed with the Commission on May 4, 2026, allowing for delayed offerings pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act and the information deemed to be a part of such registration statement as of the date hereof pursuant to Rule 430B of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Act (the "Rules and Regulations") (such registration statement, effective upon original filing with the Commission on September 24, 2025 pursuant to Rule 462(e) of the Rules and Regulations, being hereinafter referred to as the "Registration Statement");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) the prospectus, dated September 23, 2025, which forms a part of and is included in the Registration Statement in the form filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Rules and Regulations;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) the preliminary prospectus supplement, dated June 2, 2026, relating to the offering of the Securities in the form filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Rules and Regulations;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) the prospectus supplement, dated June 2, 2026, relating to the offering of the Securities in the form filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Rules and Regulations;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) the Issuer Free Writing Prospectus filed with the Commission on June 2, 2026 pursuant to Rule 433(d) of the Securities Act and Section 5(e) of the Underwriting Agreement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) the Articles of Organization of the Company, dated as of April 3, 2006, as amended;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) the Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement of the Company, dated as of April 3, 2006, as amended;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) an executed copy of the Underwriting Agreement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) specimens of the Securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) an executed copy of the Mortgage;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) an executed copy of the One-Hundred and Thirteenth Supplemental Indenture;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company, effective September 19, 2025, relating to the preparation and filing with the Commission of the Registration Statement and the issuance of the Company's securities; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) the written consent of the Treasurer, Nicholas J. Giaimo, effective June 2, 2026, relating to the offering of the Securities.

I or attorneys under my supervision (with whom I have consulted) have also examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such records of the Company and such agreements and certificates and receipts of public officials, certificates of officers or other representatives of the Company and others, and such other documents, certificates and records as I or attorneys under my supervision (with whom I have consulted) have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for the opinions set forth below.

In my examination, I or attorneys under my supervision (with whom I have consulted) have assumed the legal capacity of all natural persons, the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to me as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to me as facsimile, electronic, certified or photostatic copies, and the authenticity of such copies. In making my examination of executed documents, I have assumed that the parties thereto, other than the Company, had the power, limited liability company or other, to enter into and perform all obligations thereunder and I have also assumed the due authorization by all requisite action, limited liability company or other, and the execution and delivery by such parties of such documents and, except to the extent expressly set forth below, the validity and binding effect thereof on such parties. As to any facts material to the opinions expressed herein which were not independently established or verified, I or attorneys under my supervision (with whom I have consulted) have relied upon oral or written statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Company and others and of public officials.

The opinions set forth below are subject to the following further qualifications, assumptions and limitations:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the validity or enforcement of any agreements or instruments may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting mortgagees' and other creditors' rights generally and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) I do not express any opinion as to the applicability or effect of any fraudulent transfer, preference or similar law on any agreements or instruments or any transactions contemplated thereby.

Based upon the foregoing and subject to the limitations, qualifications, exceptions and assumptions set forth herein, I am of the opinion that the Securities have been duly authorized and executed by the Company, and that when duly authenticated by the Trustee and issued and delivered by the Company against the applicable payment therefor in accordance with the terms of the Underwriting Agreement and the Mortgage, the Securities will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company entitled to the benefits of the Mortgage and enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms.

I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter with the Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement through incorporation by reference of a current report on Form 8-K. I also consent to the reference to my name under the heading "Legal Matters" in the Prospectus Supplement. In giving this consent, I do not hereby admit that I am in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the Rules and Regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder. This opinion letter is expressed as of the date hereof unless otherwise expressly stated, and I disclaim any undertaking to advise you of any subsequent changes in the facts stated or assumed herein or of any subsequent changes in applicable laws.

---

| |
|:---|
| Very truly yours, |
| /s/ Elizabeth Jones |
| Elizabeth Jones, Esq. |

---

## Exhibit 99.1

**Exhibit 99.1**

**DUKE ENERGY Carolinas, LLC**

**FIRST AND REFUNDING MORTGAGE BONDS, $400,000,000 4.65% SERIES DUE 2031**

**$1,000,000,000 5.15% SERIES DUE 2036**

**$1,000,000,000 5.75% SERIES DUE 2056**

***UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT***

June 2, 2026

CIBC World Markets Corp.

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

PNC Capital Markets LLC

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc.

TD Securities (USA) LLC

Truist Securities, Inc.

U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| c/o | RBC Capital Markets, LLC |
|  | Brookfield Place |
|  | 200 Vesey Street, 8th Floor |
|  | New York, NY 10281 |

---

As Representatives of the several Underwriters

Ladies and Gentlemen:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. *Introductory*. DUKE ENERGY Carolinas, LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company (the "**Company**"), proposes, subject to the terms and conditions stated herein, to issue and sell (i) $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company's First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 4.65% Series due 2031 (the "**2031 Bonds**"), (ii) $1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company's First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 5.15% Series due 2036 (the "**2036 Bonds**") and (iii) $1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company's First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 5.75% Series due 2056 (the "**2056 Bonds**" and together with the 2031 Bonds and the 2036 Bonds, the "**Bonds**"). The Bonds will be issued under and secured by a First and Refunding Mortgage, dated as of December 1, 1927 (the "**Original Mortgage**"), between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee (the "**Trustee**"), as amended and supplemented by various supplemental indentures, including the One-hundred and Thirteenth Supplemental Indenture, to be dated as of June 5, 2026 (the "**Supplemental Indenture**") (the Original Mortgage, as so amended and supplemented, being hereinafter called the "**Mortgage**"). CIBC World Markets Corp., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, PNC Capital Markets LLC, RBC Capital Markets, LLC, SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc., TD Securities (USA) LLC, Truist Securities, Inc. and U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc. (the "**Representatives**") are acting as representatives of the several underwriters named in Schedule A hereto (together with the Representatives, the "**Underwriters**"). The Company understands that the several Underwriters propose to offer the Bonds for sale upon the terms and conditions contemplated by (i) this Agreement and (ii) the Base Prospectus, the Preliminary Prospectus and any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus (each as defined below) issued at or prior to the Applicable Time (as defined below) (the documents referred to in the foregoing subclause (ii) are referred to herein as the "**Pricing Disclosure Package**").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. *Representations and Warranties of the Company.* As of the date hereof, as of the Applicable Time (as defined below) and as of the Closing Date (as defined below) the Company represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the several Underwriters that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) A registration statement (No. 333-290475-05), including a prospectus, relating to the Bonds and certain
other securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "**Commission**") under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "**1933 Act** "). Such registration statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, each
in the form heretofore delivered to you, became effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462 of the rules and
regulations of the Commission under the 1933 Act (the "**1933 Act Regulations** "), and no stop order suspending the effectiveness
of such registration statement has been issued and no proceeding for that purpose or pursuant to Section 8A of the 1933 Act has been
initiated or threatened by the Commission (if prepared, any preliminary prospectus supplement specifically relating to the Bonds immediately
prior to the Applicable Time included in such registration statement or filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) of
the 1933 Act Regulations being hereinafter called a "**Preliminary Prospectus** "); the term "**Registration Statement** "
means the registration statement as deemed revised pursuant to Rule 430B(f)(1) of the 1933 Act Regulations on the date of such
registration statement's effectiveness for purposes of Section 11 of the 1933 Act, as such section applies to the Company and
the Underwriters for the Bonds pursuant to Rule 430B(f)(2) of the 1933 Act Regulations (the "**Effective Date** "),
including all exhibits thereto and including the documents incorporated by reference in the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement
at the time such part of the Registration Statement became effective; the term "**Base Prospectus**" means the prospectus
filed with the Commission on the date hereof by the Company; and the term "**Prospectus**" means the Base Prospectus together
with the prospectus supplement specifically relating to the Bonds prepared in accordance with the provisions of Rule 430B and promptly
filed after execution and delivery of this Agreement pursuant to Rule 430B or Rule 424(b) of the 1933 Act Regulations;
any information included in such Prospectus that was omitted from the Registration Statement at the time it became effective but that
is deemed to be a part of and included in such registration statement pursuant to Rule 430B is referred to as "**Rule 430B Information**;" and any reference herein to the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus shall be
deemed to refer to and include the documents incorporated by reference therein, prior to the date hereof; any reference to any amendment
or supplement to any Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include any documents filed after the date of
such Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus, as the case may be, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "**1934 Act** "), and incorporated by reference in such Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus, as the case may be; and any reference to
any amendment to the Registration Statement shall be deemed to refer to and include any annual report of the Company filed pursuant to
Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the 1934 Act after the effective date of the Registration Statement that is incorporated by reference
in the Registration Statement. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "**Applicable Time**" means 4:00 p.m. (New
York City time) on the date hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Registration Statement, the Permitted Free Writing Prospectus specified on Schedule B hereto, the
Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus conform, and any amendments or supplements thereto will conform, in all material respects to
the requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations; and (i) the Registration Statement, as of its original effective date,
as of the date of any amendment, at each deemed effective date with respect to the Underwriters pursuant to Rule 430B(f)(2) of
the 1933 Act Regulations, and at the Closing Date, did not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state
any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and (ii) (A) the
Pricing Disclosure Package, as of the Applicable Time, did not, (B) the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, as of
their dates, will not, and (C) the Prospectus as of the Closing Date will not, include any untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading, except that the Company makes no warranty or representation to the Underwriters with respect to any statements or omissions
made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by the Representatives on behalf of the Underwriters
specifically for use in the Registration Statement, the Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus specified on Schedule B hereto as of its issue date and at all subsequent
times through the completion of the public offer and sale of the Bonds or until any earlier date that the Company notified or notifies
the Underwriters pursuant to Section 5(f) hereof did not, does not and will not include any information that conflicts with
the information (not superseded or modified as of the Effective Date) contained in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus
or the Prospectus.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) At the earliest time the Company or another offering participant made a bona fide offer (within the meaning
of Rule 164(h)(2) of the 1933 Act Regulations) of the Bonds, the Company was not an "ineligible issuer" as defined
in Rule 405 of the 1933 Act Regulations. The Company is, and was at the time of the initial filing of the Registration Statement,
eligible to use Form S-3 under the 1933 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The documents and interactive data in eXtensible Business Reporting Language ()"**XBRL** ")
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus,
at the time they were filed or hereafter are filed with the Commission, complied and will comply in all material respects with the requirements
of the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder (the "**1934 Act Regulations** "), and,
when read together with the other information in the Prospectus, (i) at the time the Registration Statement became effective, (ii) at
the Applicable Time and (iii) on the Closing Date did not, and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) The Company's most recent Annual Report filed on Form 10-K meets the conditions specified in
General Instruction I(1)(a) and (b) of the General Instructions for Form 10-K, and the Company's most recent Quarterly
Report filed on Form 10-Q meets the conditions specified in General Instruction H.1.a and H.1.b of the General Instructions for Form 10-Q.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) The compliance by the Company with all of the provisions of this Agreement has been duly authorized by
all necessary limited liability company action and the consummation of the transactions herein contemplated will not conflict with or
result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any indenture, mortgage, deed of
trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound or to which any of its
properties or assets is subject that would have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition or results of operations
of the Company, nor will such action result in any violation of the provisions of the Company's Articles of Organization, the Company's
Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement or other governing document of the Company or any statute or any order, rule or regulation
of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its properties that would have a material adverse
effect on the business, financial condition or results of operations of the Company; and no consent, approval, authorization, order, registration
or qualification of or with any such court or governmental agency or body is required for the consummation by the Company of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, except for authorization by the North Carolina Utilities Commission and the Public Service Commission
of South Carolina and the registration under the 1933 Act of the Bonds, qualification under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended
(the "**1939 Act**") and such consents, approvals, authorizations, registrations or qualifications as may be required under
state securities or Blue Sky laws in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Bonds by the Underwriters.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The Original Mortgage has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and duly qualified
under the 1939 Act. The Supplemental Indenture has been duly authorized and when executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming the
due authorization, execution and delivery thereof by the Trustee, the Mortgage constitutes a valid and legally binding instrument of the
Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to the qualifications that the enforceability of the Company's
obligations under the Mortgage may be limited by (x) the laws of the states of North Carolina and South Carolina (in which states
all physical property of the Company subject to the Mortgage is located except for certain interconnection lines) with respect to or affecting
the remedies to enforce the security provided by the Mortgage, which laws do not make inadequate the remedies necessary for the realization
of the benefits of such security, and by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting
mortgagees' and other creditors' rights generally, and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability
is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), and (y) that the provisions of the Mortgage subjecting to the lien thereof the
revenues and income from the mortgaged property may not be effective prior to the delivery or taking of possession of such revenues or
income or of the mortgaged property by or on behalf of the Trustee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) The Bonds have been duly authorized and when executed by the Company, and when authenticated by the Trustee,
in the manner provided in the Mortgage and delivered against payment therefor, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of
the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, except as the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting mortgagees' and other creditors' rights generally and by
general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and are entitled
to the benefits and security afforded by the Mortgage in accordance with the terms of the Mortgage and the Bonds, except as set forth
in paragraph (i) above.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) Any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument set forth on Annex
A hereto or filed or incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the
Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 or any subsequent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company or any Current
Report on Form 8-K of the Company with an execution or a filing date after December 31, 2025 are all indentures, mortgages,
deeds of trust, loan agreements or other agreements or instruments that are material to the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) The Company has no "significant subsidiaries" within the meaning of Rule 1-02 of Regulation
S-X under the 1933 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) Any pro forma financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries and the related notes thereto incorporated
by reference in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus have been prepared in accordance with the
Commission's rules and guidelines with respect to pro forma financial statements and have been properly compiled on the bases
described therein.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. *Purchase, Sale and Delivery of Bonds.* On the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements herein contained, but subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the Company agrees to sell to the Underwriters, and the Underwriters agree, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company, at a purchase price of (i) 99.279% of the principal amount of the 2031 Bonds, plus accrued interest, if any, from June 5, 2026, (ii) 99.340% of the principal amount of the 2036 Bonds, plus accrued interest, if any, from June 5, 2026, and (iii) 98.881% of the principal amount of the 2056 Bonds, plus accrued interest, if any, from June 5, 2026, (and in the manner set forth below), the respective principal amounts of Bonds set forth opposite the name of each Underwriter on Schedule A hereto plus the respective principal amounts of additional Bonds which each such Underwriter may become obligated to purchase pursuant to the provisions of Section 8 hereof. The Underwriters hereby also agree to make a payment to the Company in an aggregate amount equal to $4,250,000 including in respect of expenses incurred by the Company in connection with the offering of the Bonds.

Payment of the respective purchase prices for the Bonds to be purchased by the Underwriters and the payment referred to above shall be made to the Company by wire transfer of immediately available funds, payable to the order of the Company against delivery of the Bonds, in fully registered forms, to you or upon your order at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on June 5, 2026 or such other time and date as shall be mutually agreed upon in writing by the Company and the Representatives (the "**Closing Date**"). The 2031 Bonds, the 2036 Bonds and the 2056 Bonds shall each be delivered in the form of one or more global certificates in aggregate denominations equal to the aggregate principal amount of the respective 2031 Bonds, 2036 Bonds and 2056 Bonds upon original issuance, and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee for The Depository Trust Company ("**DTC**"). All other documents referred to herein that are to be delivered at the Closing Date shall be delivered at that time at the offices of Sidley Austin LLP, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. *Offering by the Underwriters.* It is understood that the several Underwriters propose to offer the Bonds for sale to the public as set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. *Covenants of the Company.* The Company covenants and agrees with the several Underwriters that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Company will cause any Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus to be filed pursuant to, and in compliance
with, Rule 424(b) of the 1933 Act Regulations, and advise the Underwriters promptly of the filing of any amendment or supplement
to the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus and of the institution by the Commission of any stop order
proceedings in respect of the Registration Statement, and will use its best efforts to prevent the issuance of any such stop order and
to obtain as soon as possible its lifting, if issued.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) If at any time when a prospectus relating to the Bonds (or the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) of
the 1933 Act Regulations) is required to be delivered under the 1933 Act any event occurs as a result of which the Pricing Disclosure
Package or the Prospectus as then amended or supplemented would include an untrue statement of a material fact, or omit to state any material
fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or if it
is necessary at any time to amend the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus to comply with the 1933 Act, the Company promptly will
prepare and file with the Commission an amendment, a supplement or an appropriate document pursuant to Section 13 or 14 of the 1934
Act which will correct such statement or omission or which will effect such compliance.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Company, during the period when a prospectus relating to the Bonds is required to be delivered under
the 1933 Act, will timely file all documents required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 14 of the 1934 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Without the prior consent of the Underwriters, the Company has not made and will not make any offer relating
to the Bonds that would constitute a "free writing prospectus" as defined in Rule 405 of the 1933 Act Regulations, other
than a Permitted Free Writing Prospectus; each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, represents and agrees that, without the prior consent
of the Company, it has not made and will not make any offer relating to the Bonds that would constitute a "free writing prospectus"
as defined in Rule 405 of the 1933 Act Regulations, other than a Permitted Free Writing Prospectus or a free writing prospectus that
is not required to be filed by the Company pursuant to Rule 433 of the 1933 Act Regulations ()"**Rule 433** ");
any such free writing prospectus (which shall include the pricing term sheet referred to in Section 5(e) below), the use of
which has been consented to by the Company and the Underwriters, is specified in Item 3 of Schedule B and herein is called a "**Permitted Free Writing Prospectus**." The Company represents that it has treated or agrees that it will treat each Permitted Free Writing
Prospectus as an "issuer free writing prospectus," as defined in Rule 433, and has complied and will comply with the
requirements of Rule 433 applicable to any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, including timely filing with the Commission where required,
legending and record keeping.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The Company agrees to prepare a pricing term sheet specifying the terms of the Bonds not contained in
any Preliminary Prospectus, substantially in the form of Schedule C hereto and approved by the Representatives on behalf of the Underwriters,
and to file such pricing term sheet as an "issuer free writing prospectus" pursuant to Rule 433 prior to the close of
business two business days after the date hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) The Company agrees that if at any time following the issuance of a Permitted Free Writing Prospectus any
event occurs as a result of which such Permitted Free Writing Prospectus would conflict with the information (not superseded or modified
as of the Effective Date) in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus or would include an untrue statement
of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances
then prevailing, not misleading, the Company will give prompt notice thereof to the Underwriters and, if requested by the Underwriters,
will prepare and furnish without charge to each Underwriter a free writing prospectus or other document, the use of which has been consented
to by the Underwriters, which will correct such conflict, statement or omission.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) The Company will make generally available to its security holders, in each case as soon as practicable
but not later than 60 days after the close of the period covered thereby, earnings statements (in form complying with the provisions of
Rule 158 under the 1933 Act, which need not be certified by independent certified public accountants unless required by the 1933
Act) covering (i) a twelve-month period beginning not later than the first day of the Company's fiscal quarter next following
the effective date of the Registration Statement and (ii) a twelve-month period beginning not later than the first day of the Company's
fiscal quarter next following the date of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) The Company will furnish to you, without charge, copies of the Registration Statement (three of which
will include all exhibits other than those incorporated by reference), the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, and all amendments
and supplements to such documents, in each case as soon as available and in such quantities as you reasonably request.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The Company will arrange or cooperate in arrangements, if necessary, for the qualification of the Bonds
for sale under the laws of such jurisdictions as you designate and will continue such qualifications in effect so long as required for
the distribution; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to qualify as a foreign limited liability company or to file
any general consents to service of process under the laws of any state where it is not now so subject.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) The Company will pay all expenses incident to the performance of its obligations under this Agreement
including (i) the printing and filing of the Registration Statement and the printing of this Agreement and any Blue Sky Survey, (ii) the
preparation and printing of certificates for the Bonds, (iii) the issuance and delivery of the Bonds as specified herein, (iv) the
fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection with the qualification of the Bonds under the securities laws of
any jurisdiction in accordance with the provisions of Section 5(i) and in connection with the preparation of the Blue Sky Survey
(such fees not to exceed $7,500), (v) the printing and delivery to the Underwriters, in quantities as hereinabove referred to, of
copies of the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto, of any Preliminary Prospectus, of the Prospectus, of any Permitted Free
Writing Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto, (vi) any fees charged by independent rating agencies for rating the
Bonds, (vii) any fees and expenses in connection with the listing of the Bonds on the New York Stock Exchange LLC, (viii) any
filing fee required by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., (ix) the costs of any depository arrangements for
the Bonds with DTC or any successor depositary and (x) the costs and expenses of the Company relating to investor presentations on
any "road show" undertaken in connection with the marketing of the offering of the Bonds, including, without limitation, expenses
associated with the production of road show slides and graphics, fees and expenses of any consultants engaged in connection with the road
show presentations with the prior approval of the Company, travel and lodging expenses of the Underwriters and officers of the Company
and any such consultants, and the cost of any aircraft chartered in connection with the road show; provided, however, the Underwriters
shall reimburse a portion of the costs and expenses referred to in this clause (x).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. *Conditions of the Obligations of the Underwriters.* The obligations of the several Underwriters to purchase and pay for the Bonds will be subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties on the part of the Company herein, to the accuracy of the statements of officers of the Company made pursuant to the provisions hereof, to the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder and to the following additional conditions precedent:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Prospectus shall have been filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) within
the applicable time period prescribed for filing by the 1933 Act Regulations and in accordance herewith and each Permitted Free Writing
Prospectus shall have been filed by the Company with the Commission within the applicable time periods prescribed for such filings by,
and otherwise in compliance with, Rule 433.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) At or after the Applicable Time and prior to the Closing Date, no stop order suspending the effectiveness
of the Registration Statement shall have been issued and no proceedings for that purpose or pursuant to Section 8A of the 1933 Act
shall have been instituted or, to the knowledge of the Company or you, shall be threatened by the Commission.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) At or after the Applicable Time and prior to the Closing Date, the rating assigned by Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. or S&P Global Ratings (or any of their successors) to any debt securities or preferred stock of the Company as
of the date of this Agreement shall not have been lowered.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Since the respective most recent dates as of which information is given in the Pricing Disclosure Package
and the Prospectus and up to the Closing Date, there shall not have been any material adverse change in the condition of the Company,
financial or otherwise, except as reflected in or contemplated by the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, and, since such dates
and up to the Closing Date, there shall not have been any material transaction entered into by the Company other than transactions contemplated
by the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and transactions in the ordinary course of business, the effect of which in your
reasonable judgment is so material and adverse as to make it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the public offering or the delivery
of the Bonds on the terms and in the manner contemplated by the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) You shall have received an opinion of Elizabeth H. Jones, Esq., Deputy General Counsel of Duke Energy
Business Services LLC, the service company subsidiary of Duke Energy Corporation (who in such capacity provides legal services to the
Company) (or other appropriate counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives, which may include Duke Energy Corporation's
other "in-house" counsel), dated the Closing Date, to the effect that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The Company has been duly organized and is validly existing as a limited liability company in good standing
under the laws of the State of North Carolina, with power and authority (limited liability company and other) to own its properties and
conduct its business as described in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and to enter into and perform its obligations under
this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) The Company is duly qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which the ownership or leasing of
its property or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, except where the failure to so qualify, considering all such
cases in the aggregate, does not have a material adverse effect on the business, properties, financial condition or results of operations
of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) The Registration Statement became effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462
of the 1933 Act Regulations, and, to the best of such counsel's knowledge, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration
Statement has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are pending or threatened under the 1933 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) The descriptions in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus of any
legal or governmental proceedings are accurate and fairly present the information required to be shown, and such counsel does not know
of any litigation or any legal or governmental proceeding instituted or threatened against the Company or any of its properties that would
be required to be disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus and is not so disclosed.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi) The issuance and sale of the Bonds by the Company and the execution, delivery and performance by the Company
of this Agreement, the Mortgage and the Bonds will not contravene any of the provisions of the Articles of Organization or the Operating
Agreement, the North Carolina Limited Liability Company Act or any statute or any order, rule or regulation of which such counsel
is aware of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its property, nor will such action
conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under any indenture, mortgage,
deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement to which the Company is a party or by which it or its property is bound or to which any
of its property or assets is subject or any instrument filed or incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K
of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 or any subsequent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company or
any Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company with an execution or filing date after December 31, 2025 or identified in Annex
A to this Agreement, which affects in a material way the Company's ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement, the
Mortgage or the Bonds.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vii) The North Carolina Utilities Commission and the Public Service Commission of South Carolina have issued
appropriate orders with respect to the issuance and sale of the Bonds in accordance with this Agreement, and, to the best of such counsel's
knowledge, such orders are still in effect and the issuance and sale of the Bonds to the Underwriters are in conformity with the terms
of such orders.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(viii) The Mortgage has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and qualified under the 1939
Act, and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery thereof by the Trustee, constitutes a valid and legally binding instrument
of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except (x) as the same may be limited by the laws of
the States of North Carolina and South Carolina (in which States such counsel is advised all physical property of the Company subject
to the Mortgage is located except for certain interconnection lines) with respect to or affecting the remedies to enforce the security
provided by the Mortgage, which laws do not, in the opinion of such counsel, make inadequate the remedies necessary for the realization
of the benefits of such security, and (y) that the provisions of the Mortgage subjecting to the lien thereof the revenues and income
from the mortgaged property may not be effective prior to the delivery or taking of possession of such revenues or income or of the mortgaged
property by or on behalf of the Trustee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ix) The Bonds have been duly authorized, executed and issued by the Company and, when the same have been authenticated
by the Trustee as specified in the Mortgage and delivered against payment therefor, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations
of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, and are entitled to the benefits and security afforded
by the Mortgage in accordance with the terms of the Mortgage and the Bonds, except as set forth in paragraph (viii) above.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(x) The Company has good title to all properties owned by it, subject only (a) to the lien of the Mortgage,
(b) to permitted encumbrances as defined in the Mortgage, (c) to minor exceptions and defects which do not, in the aggregate,
in the opinion of such counsel, materially interfere with the use by the Company of such properties for the purposes for which they are
held, materially detract from the value of said properties or in any material way impair the security afforded by the Mortgage, and (d) in
the case of the Company's existing hydroelectric plants, to provisions of licenses issued by the Federal Power Commission or the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and to the provisions of the Federal Power Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xi) The Mortgage complies as to form with all applicable laws of the states wherein the properties subjected
or intended to be subjected to the lien of the Mortgage are located, including all applicable recording laws, and constitutes a valid,
direct first mortgage lien on all properties and franchises purported to be owned by the Company, except such property as is specifically
excepted from the lien thereof, subject only to the liens, charges and encumbrances stated in paragraph (x) above; all fixed electric
properties hereafter acquired by the Company will, upon such acquisition, become subject to the lien of the Mortgage, subject, however,
to liens or charges of the character permitted to exist by the Mortgage, and to liens, if any, existing or placed on such property at
the time of the acquisition thereof by the Company, and the description of such property and franchises in the Mortgage is adequate to
constitute a lien on such property and franchises of the Company except as aforesaid.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xii) The Original Mortgage and the supplemental indentures thereto, other than the Supplemental Indenture,
have been duly recorded or filed for recordation in all such offices as are necessary to perfect and to preserve and protect the lien
of the Mortgage upon the property intended to be subjected to the lien thereof, and upon the filing and recording of the Supplemental
Indenture, no other recording or any periodic or other refiling or rerecording of the Mortgage is or will be required in order to perfect
and to preserve and protect the lien of the Mortgage upon such property, and there are no mortgage, recording or other taxes required
to be paid in connection with such filing and recording or in connection with the issuance of the Bonds other than customary filing and
recording fees.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xiii) No consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any federal, North
Carolina or South Carolina governmental agency or body or, to such counsel's knowledge, any federal or North Carolina court, which
has not been obtained or taken and is not in full force and effect, is required to authorize or for the Company to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, except for such consents, approvals, authorizations, registrations or qualifications as may be required
under state securities or Blue Sky laws in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Bonds by the Underwriters.

Such counsel may state that such counsel's opinions in paragraphs (viii) and (ix) above are subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting mortgagees' and other creditors' rights generally, and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and to an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Such counsel may also state that such counsel's opinion in paragraph (x) above is based upon the Company's title insurance. Such counsel shall state that nothing has come to such counsel's attention that has caused such counsel to believe that each document incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, when filed, was not, on its face, appropriately responsive, in all material respects, to the requirements of the 1934 Act and the 1934 Act Regulations. Such counsel shall also state that nothing has come to such counsel's attention that has caused such counsel to believe that (i) the Registration Statement as of the effective date with respect to the Underwriters pursuant to Rule 430B(f)(2) of the 1933 Act Regulations, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, (ii) the Pricing Disclosure Package at the Applicable Time contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading or (iii) that the Prospectus as of its date or at the Closing Date, contained or contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or omits to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Such counsel may also state that, except as otherwise expressly provided in such opinion, such counsel does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements contained in or incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus and does not express any opinion or belief as to (i) the financial statements or other financial and accounting data contained or incorporated by reference therein, or excluded therefrom, including XBRL interactive data, (ii) the statement of the eligibility and qualification of the Trustee included in the Registration Statement (the "**Form T-1**") or (iii) the information in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus under the caption "Book-Entry System."

In rendering the foregoing opinion, such counsel may state that such counsel does not express any opinion concerning any law other than the law of the State of North Carolina or, to the extent set forth in the foregoing opinions, the federal securities laws and the law of the State of South Carolina, and may rely as to all matters of the law of the State of South Carolina on the opinion of Karol P. Mack, Esq., Deputy General Counsel of Duke Energy Business Services LLC, the service company subsidiary of Duke Energy Corporation (who in such capacity provides legal services to the Company) (or other appropriate counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives, which may include Duke Energy Corporation's other "in-house" counsel). Such counsel may also state that such counsel has relied as to certain factual matters on information obtained from public officials, officers of the Company and other sources believed by such counsel to be reliable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) You shall have received an opinion of Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, counsel to the Company, dated the Closing
Date, to the effect that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The statements set forth (i) under the caption "Description of First and Refunding Mortgage
Bonds" in the Base Prospectus and (ii) under the caption "Description of the Mortgage Bonds" in the Pricing Disclosure
Package and the Prospectus, insofar as such statements purport to summarize certain provisions of the Mortgage and the Bonds, fairly summarize
such provisions in all material respects.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) No Governmental Approval (as defined below), which has not been obtained or taken and is not in full force
and effect, is required to authorize, or is required for, the execution or delivery of this Agreement by the Company or the consummation
by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby, except for such consents, authorizations, orders, registrations or qualifications
as may be required under state securities or Blue Sky laws in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Bonds by the Underwriters.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) The Company is not and, solely after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Bonds and the application
of the proceeds thereof as described in the Prospectus, will not be subject to registration and regulation as an "investment company"
as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement and the consummation by the Company of the
transactions contemplated thereby, including the issuance and sale of the Bonds, will not violate any Applicable Laws (as defined below)
of the States of North Carolina and New York.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) The statements set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus under the caption "Underwriting
(Conflicts of Interest)," insofar as such statements purport to summarize certain provisions of this Agreement, fairly summarize
such provisions in all material respects.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi) The statements set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus under the caption "Certain
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations for Non-U.S. Holders," insofar as such statements purport to constitute summaries of matters
of United States federal income tax law, constitute accurate and complete summaries, in all material respects, subject to the qualifications
set forth therein.

In rendering the foregoing opinions, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP may state that (i) "Governmental Approval" means any consent, approval, license, authorization or validation of, or filing, qualification or registration with, any Governmental Authority (as defined below) required to be made or obtained by the Company pursuant to Applicable Laws, other than any consent, approval, license, authorization, validation, filing, qualification or registration that may have become applicable as a result of the involvement of any party (other than the Company) in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or because of such parties' legal or regulatory status or because of any other facts specifically pertaining to such parties; (ii) "Governmental Authorities" means any court, regulatory body, administrative agency or governmental body of the States of North Carolina and New York having jurisdiction over the Company under Applicable Laws and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, but excluding the North Carolina Utilities Commission and the New York State Public Service Commission; and (iii) "Applicable Laws" means those laws, rules and regulations of the States of North Carolina and New York and those federal laws, rules and regulations of the United States, in each case, that, in such counsel's experience, are normally applicable to transactions of the type contemplated by this Agreement (other than the antifraud provisions of the United States federal securities laws, state securities or Blue Sky laws, antifraud laws, the rules and regulations of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., the North Carolina Public Utilities Act, the rules and regulations of the North Carolina Utilities Commission and the New York State Public Service Commission and the New York State Public Service Law), but without such counsel having made any special investigation as to the applicability of any specific law, rule or regulation, and the Federal Power Act and the rules and regulations of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission thereunder. In addition, such counsel may state that it has relied as to certain factual matters on information obtained from public officials, officers and representatives of the Company and that the signatures on all documents examined by such counsel are genuine, assumptions which such counsel shall not independently verified.

You shall also have received a statement of Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, dated the Closing Date, to the effect that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) no facts have come to such counsel's attention that have caused such counsel to believe that the documents filed by the Company under the 1934 Act and the 1934 Act Regulations that are incorporated by reference in the preliminary prospectus supplement that forms a part of the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, when filed, were not, on their face, appropriately responsive in all material respects to the requirements of the 1934 Act and the 1934 Act Regulations (except that in each case such counsel need not express any view with respect to the financial statements, schedules and other financial and accounting information included or incorporated by reference therein or excluded therefrom, including XBRL interactive data), (ii) no facts have come to such counsel's attention that have caused such counsel to believe that the Registration Statement, at the Applicable Time, and the Prospectus, as of its date, appeared on their face not to be appropriately responsive in all material respects to the requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations (except that in each case such counsel need not express any view with respect to the financial statements, schedules and other financial and accounting information included or incorporated by reference therein or excluded therefrom, including XBRL interactive data or that part of the Registration Statement that constitutes the statement of eligibility on the Form T-1) and (iii) no facts have come to such counsel's attention that have caused such counsel to believe that the Registration Statement, at the Applicable Time, contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or that the Prospectus, as of its date and as of the Closing Date, contained or contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading (except that in each case such counsel need not express any view with respect to the financial statements, schedules and other financial and accounting information included or incorporated by reference therein or excluded therefrom, including XBRL interactive data, or that part of the Registration Statement that constitutes the statement of eligibility on the Form T-1). Such counsel shall further state that, in addition, no facts have come to such counsel's attention that have caused such counsel to believe that the Pricing Disclosure Package, as of the Applicable Time, contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading (except that such counsel need not express any view with respect to the financial statements, schedules and other financial and accounting information included or incorporated by reference therein or excluded therefrom, including XBRL interactive data).

In addition, such statement shall confirm that the Prospectus has been filed with the Commission within the time period required by Rule 424 of the 1933 Act Regulations and any required filing of a Permitted Free Writing Prospectus pursuant to Rule 433 of the 1933 Act Regulations has been made with the Commission within the time period required by Rule 433(d) of the 1933 Act Regulations. Such statement shall further state that assuming the accuracy of the factual matters contained in the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Section 2(d) of this Agreement, the Registration Statement became effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462 of the 1933 Act Regulations and, pursuant to Section 309 of the 1939 Act, the Mortgage has been qualified under the 1939 Act, and that based solely on such counsel's review of the Commission's website, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued and, to such counsel's knowledge, no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are pending or threatened by the Commission.

In addition, such counsel may state that such counsel does not pass upon, or assume any responsibility for, the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements contained or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus and has made no independent check or verification thereof (except to the limited extent referred to in Sections 6(f)(i), (v) and (vi) above).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) You shall have received a letter from Sidley Austin llp ,
counsel for the Underwriters, dated the Closing Date, with respect to such opinions and statements as you may reasonably request, and
the Company shall have furnished to such counsel such documents as it may request for the purpose of enabling it to pass upon such matters.
In delivering its letter pursuant to this Section 6(g), Sidley Austin llp may rely
on the opinion of Elizabeth H. Jones, Esq. as to matters of North Carolina law and on the opinion of Karol P. Mack, Esq., Deputy
General Counsel of Duke Energy Business Services LLC, the service company subsidiary of Duke Energy Corporation (or other appropriate
counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives, which may include Duke Energy Corporation's other "in-house"
counsel) as to matters of South Carolina law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) At or after the date hereof, there shall not have occurred any of the following: (i) a suspension
or material limitation in trading in securities generally or of the securities of the Company or Duke Energy Corporation, on the New York
Stock Exchange LLC; or (ii) a general moratorium on commercial banking activities in New York declared by either Federal or New York
State authorities or a material disruption in commercial banking services or securities settlement or clearance services in the United
States; or (iii) the outbreak or escalation of hostilities involving the United States or the declaration by the United States of
a national emergency or war, if the effect of any such event specified in this subsection (h) in your reasonable judgment makes it
impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the public offering or the delivery of the Bonds on the terms and in the manner contemplated
in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. In such event there shall be no liability on the part of any party to any other
party except as otherwise provided in Section 7 hereof and except for the expenses to be borne by the Company as provided in Section 5(j) hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) You shall have received a certificate of the Chairman of the Board, the President, any Vice President,
the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary and any financial or accounting officer of the Company, dated the Closing Date, in which such
officers, to the best of their knowledge after reasonable investigation, shall state that the representations and warranties of the Company
in this Agreement are true and correct as of the Closing Date, that the Company has complied with all agreements and satisfied all conditions
on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to the Closing Date, that the conditions specified in Section 6(c) and
Section 6(d) have been satisfied, and that no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been
issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are threatened by the Commission.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) At the time of the execution of this Agreement, you shall have received (i) a letter dated such date,
in form and substance satisfactory to you, from Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Company's independent registered public accounting
firm, containing statements and information of the type ordinarily included in accountants' "comfort letters" to underwriters
with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information of the Company contained in or incorporated by reference into
the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, including specific references to inquiries regarding any
increase in long-term debt (excluding current maturities), decrease in net current assets (defined as current assets less current liabilities)
or member's equity, and decrease in operating revenues or net income for the period subsequent to the latest financial statements
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement when compared with the corresponding period from the preceding year, and (ii) a
letter dated such date, in form and substance satisfactory to you, from Deloitte & Touche LLP, Duke Energy Progress, LLC's
independent registered public accounting firm, containing statements and information of the type ordinarily included in accountants'
"comfort letters" to underwriters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information of Duke Energy
Progress, LLC contained in or incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus,
in each case as of a specified date not more than three business days prior to the date of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) At the Closing Date, you shall have received from Deloitte & Touche LLP, letters dated as of
the Closing Date, to the effect that they reaffirm the statements made in each letter furnished pursuant to subsection (j) of this
Section 6, except that the specified date referred to in each such letter delivered pursuant to this subsection (k) shall be
not more than three business days prior to the Closing Date.

The Company will furnish you with such conformed copies of such opinions, certificates, letters and documents as you reasonably request.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. *Indemnification.* (a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, their respective officers and directors, and each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter (the "**Indemnified Parties**") within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever arising out of any untrue statement
or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto) including the Rule 430B
Information, or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein not misleading or arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Preliminary
Prospectus, the Pricing Disclosure Package, any electronic roadshow or other written communication that constitutes an offer to buy the
Bonds provided to investors by, or with the approval of, the Company, the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or any Permitted
Free Writing Prospectus, or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein,
in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, unless such statement or omission or such alleged statement
or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by the Representatives on behalf
of the Underwriters expressly for use in the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto), the Preliminary Prospectus, the Pricing
Disclosure Package, any such electronic roadshow, the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or any Permitted Free Writing
Prospectus;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever to the extent of the aggregate
amount paid in settlement of any litigation, commenced or threatened, or of any claim whatsoever arising out of or based upon any such
untrue statement or omission or any such alleged untrue statement or omission, if such settlement is effected with the written consent
of the Company; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) against any and all expense whatsoever reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against
any litigation, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue statement or omission, or any such alleged
untrue statement or omission, to the extent that any such expense is not paid under (i) or (ii) of this subsection 7(a).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Each Underwriter severally and not jointly agrees that it will indemnify and hold harmless the Company,
its directors and each of the officers of the Company who signed the Registration Statement and each person, if any, who controls the
Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act to the same extent as the indemnity contained in subsection (a) of
this Section 7, but only with respect to statements or omissions made in the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto), the
Preliminary Prospectus, the Pricing Disclosure Package, the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or any Permitted Free
Writing Prospectus, in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by the Representatives on behalf
of the Underwriters expressly for use in the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto), the Preliminary Prospectus, the Pricing
Disclosure Package, the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus. In case any action
shall be brought against the Company or any person so indemnified based on the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto), the
Preliminary Prospectus, the Pricing Disclosure Package, the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or any Permitted Free
Writing Prospectus and in respect of which indemnity may be sought against any Underwriter, such Underwriter shall have the rights and
duties given to the Company, and the Company and each person so indemnified shall have the rights and duties given to the Underwriters,
by the provisions of subsection (a) of this Section 7.

In no case shall the Company or an Underwriter (an "indemnifying party") be liable under this indemnity agreement with respect to any claim made against any Indemnified Party or a party indemnified pursuant to Section 7(b) hereof, as the case may be, unless the indemnifying party shall be notified in writing of the nature of the claim within a reasonable time after the assertion thereof, but failure to so notify an indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have otherwise than under Sections 7(a) or 7(b) hereof, as applicable. An indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense, or, if it so elects, within a reasonable time after receipt of such notice, to assume the defense of any suit, but if it so elects to assume the defense, such defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it and approved by the applicable Indemnified Party or Parties or party or parties indemnified pursuant to Section 7(b) hereof in any suit so brought, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. In any such suit, any such indemnified party shall have the right to employ its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such indemnified party unless (i) the indemnifying party and such indemnified party shall have mutually agreed to the employment of such counsel, or (ii) the named parties to any such action (including any impleaded parties) include both such indemnified party and the indemnifying party and such indemnified party shall have been advised by such counsel that a conflict of interest between the indemnifying party and such indemnified party may arise and for this reason it is not desirable for the same counsel to represent both the indemnifying party and also the indemnified party (it being understood, however, that the indemnifying party shall not, in connection with any one such action or separate but substantially similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances, be liable for the reasonable fees and expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys for all such indemnified parties, which firm shall be designated in writing by the indemnified party). The Company agrees to notify you within a reasonable time of the assertion of any claim against it, any of its officers or directors or any person who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, in connection with the sale of the Bonds.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement
of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have
been sought hereunder by such indemnified party, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from
all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding, and does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault,
culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 7 is unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless
an indemnified party in respect of any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever (or actions in respect thereof) that
would otherwise have been indemnified under the terms of such indemnity, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid
or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such loss, liability, claim, damage or expense (or actions in respect thereof) in
such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the
other from the offering of the Bonds. If, however, the allocation provided by the immediately preceding sentence is not permitted by applicable
law or if the indemnified party failed to give the notice required above, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to such amount
paid or payable by such indemnified party in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits but also the
relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted
in such loss, liability, claim, damage or expense (or actions in respect thereof), as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.
The relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other shall be deemed to be in the same proportion
as the total net proceeds from the offering (before deducting expenses) received by the Company bear to the total compensation received
by the Underwriters in respect of the underwriting discount as set forth in the table on the cover page of the Prospectus. The relative
fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the
omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company on the one hand or the Underwriters
on the other and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or
omission. The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contributions pursuant to this Section 7
were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of
allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above in this Section 7. The amount paid or payable
by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) referred to
above in this Section 7 shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection
with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7, no Underwriter shall
be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Bonds underwritten by it and distributed
to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages which such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by
reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within
the meaning of Section 11(f) of the 1933 Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent
misrepresentation. The Underwriters' obligations to contribute are several in proportion to their respective underwriting obligations
and not joint.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. *Default by One or More of the Underwriters.* (a) If any Underwriter shall default in its obligation to purchase the principal amount of the 2031 Bonds, the 2036 Bonds or the 2056 Bonds, as applicable, which it has agreed to purchase hereunder on the Closing Date, you may in your discretion arrange for you or another party or other parties to purchase such 2031 Bonds, 2036 Bonds and/or 2056 Bonds, as applicable, on the terms contained herein. If within twenty-four hours after such default by any Underwriter you do not arrange for the purchase of such Bonds, then the Company shall be entitled to a further period of twenty-four hours within which to procure another party or other parties satisfactory to you to purchase such Bonds on such terms. In the event that, within the respective prescribed periods, you notify the Company that you have so arranged for the purchase of such Bonds, or the Company notifies you that it has so arranged for the purchase of such Bonds, you or the Company shall have the right to postpone such Closing Date for a period of not more than seven days, in order to effect whatever changes may thereby be made necessary in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, or in any other documents or arrangements, and the Company agrees to file promptly any amendments to the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus which may be required. The term "Underwriter" as used in this Agreement shall include any person substituted under this Section 8 with like effect as if such person had originally been a party to this Agreement with respect to such Bonds.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Bonds of a defaulting Underwriter
or Underwriters by you or the Company as provided in subsection (a) above, the aggregate amount of such Bonds which remains unpurchased
does not exceed one-tenth of the aggregate amount of all the Bonds to be purchased at such Closing Date, then the Company shall have the
right to require each non-defaulting Underwriter to purchase the amounts of Bonds which such Underwriter agreed to purchase hereunder
at such Closing Date and, in addition, to require each non-defaulting Underwriter to purchase its pro rata share (based on the amounts
of Bonds which such Underwriter agreed to purchase hereunder) of the Bonds of such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters for which such
arrangements have not been made; but nothing herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter from liability for its default.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Bonds of a defaulting Underwriter
or Underwriters by you or the Company as provided in subsection (a) above, the aggregate amount of such Bonds which remains unpurchased
exceeds one-tenth of the aggregate amount of all the Bonds to be purchased at such Closing Date, or if the Company shall not exercise
the right described in subsection (b) above to require non-defaulting Underwriters to purchase the Bonds of a defaulting Underwriter
or Underwriters, then this Agreement shall thereupon terminate, without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter or the
Company, except for the expenses to be borne by the Company as provided in Section 5(j) hereof and the indemnity and contribution
agreement in Section 7 hereof; but nothing herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter from liability for its default.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. *Representations and Indemnities to Survive Delivery.* The respective indemnities, agreements, representations, warranties and other statements of the Company or its officers and of the several Underwriters set forth in or made pursuant to this Agreement will remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation, or statement as to the results thereof, made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or the Company, or any of their respective officers or directors or any controlling person referred to in Section 7 hereof, and will survive delivery of and payment for the Bonds.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10. *Reliance on Your Acts.* In all dealings hereunder, the Representatives shall act on behalf of each of the Underwriters, and the Company shall be entitled to act and rely upon any statement, request, notice or agreement on behalf of any Underwriter made or given by the Representatives.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11. *No Fiduciary Relationship*. The Company acknowledges and agrees that (a) the purchase and sale of the Bonds pursuant to this Agreement is an arm's-length commercial transaction between the Company on the one hand, and the Underwriters on the other hand, (b) in connection with the offering contemplated hereby and the process leading to such transaction, each Underwriter is and has been acting solely as a principal and is not the agent or fiduciary of the Company or its shareholders, creditors, employees, or any other party, (c) no Underwriter has assumed or will assume an advisory or fiduciary responsibility in favor of the Company with respect to the offering contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto (irrespective of whether such Underwriter has advised or is currently advising the Company on other matters) and no Underwriter has any obligation to the Company with respect to the offering contemplated hereby except the obligations expressly set forth in this Agreement, (d) the Underwriters and their respective affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Company, and (e) the Underwriters have not provided any legal, accounting, regulatory or tax advice with respect to the transaction contemplated hereby and the Company has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it deemed appropriate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12. *Recognition of the U.S. Special Resolution Regimes*.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity (as defined below) becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime (as defined below), the transfer from such Underwriter of this Agreement, and any interest and obligation in or under this Agreement, will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement, and any such interest and obligation, were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity or a BHC Act Affiliate (as defined below) of such Underwriter becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights (as defined below) under this Agreement that may be exercised against such Underwriter are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.

As used in this Section 12:

"**BHC Act Affiliate**" has the meaning assigned to the term "affiliate" in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. § 1841(k).

"**Covered Entity**" means any of the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) a "covered entity" as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) a "covered bank" as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) a "covered FSI" as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b).

"**Default Right**" has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable.

"**U.S. Special Resolution Regime**" means each of (i) the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder and (ii) Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13. *Notices.* All communications hereunder will be in writing and, if sent to the Underwriters, will be mailed or telecopied and confirmed to CIBC World Markets Corp., 300 Madison Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10017, Attention: Execution Management, Email: DLCIBCUSEMG@cibc.com; J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017, Attention: Investment Grade Syndicate Desk, Facsimile: (212) 834-6081; PNC Capital Markets LLC, 300 Fifth Avenue, 10th Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222, Attention: Debt Capital Markets, Email: capitalmarketsnotices@pnc.com; RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Brookfield Place, 200 Vesey Street, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10281, Attention: DCM Transaction Management/Scott Primrose, Telephone: (212) 618-7706, Email: TMGUS@rbccm.com; SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc., 277 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10172, Attention: Debt Capital Markets, email: NikkoGCNotices@smbcnikko-si.com; TD Securities (USA) LLC, 1 Vanderbilt Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, New York 10017, Attention: DCM - Transaction Advisory, Email: UStransactionadvisory@tdsecurities.com; Truist Securities, Inc., 50 Hudson Yards, 70th Floor, New York, New York 10001, Attention: Investment Grade Debt Capital Markets, Facsimile: (404) 926-5027; U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc., 214 N. Tryon Street, 26th Floor, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, Attention: Debt Capital Markets, Facsimile: (877) 774-3462; or if sent to the Company, will be mailed or telecopied and confirmed to it at 525 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202, Telephone: (800) 488-3853, attention of Assistant Treasurer. Any such communications shall take effect upon receipt thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14. *Business Day.* As used herein, the term "business day" shall mean any day when the Commission's office in Washington, D.C. is open for business.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15. *Successors.* This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Underwriters and the Company and their respective successors. Nothing expressed or mentioned in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any person, firm or corporation, other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and the controlling persons, officers and directors referred to in Section 7 and their respective successors, heirs and legal representatives, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision herein contained; this Agreement and all conditions and provisions hereof being intended to be and being for the sole and exclusive benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and said controlling persons, officers and directors and their respective successors, heirs and legal representatives, and for the benefit of no other person, firm or corporation. No purchaser of Bonds from any Underwriter shall be deemed to be a successor or assign by reason merely of such purchase.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16. *Counterparts; Electronic Signatures.* This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument. The words "execution," "signed," "signature," and words of like import in this Agreement or in any other certificate, agreement or document related to this Agreement, the Indenture or the Bonds shall include images of manually executed signatures transmitted by facsimile or other electronic format (including, without limitation, "pdf", "tif" or "jpg") and other electronic signatures (including, without limitation, DocuSign and AdobeSign). The use of electronic signatures and electronic records (including, without limitation, any contract or other record created, generated, sent, communicated, received, or stored by electronic means) shall be of the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a manually executed signature or use of a paper-based record-keeping system to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act and any other applicable law, including, without limitation, any state law based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act or the Uniform Commercial Code.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17. *Applicable Law.* This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, kindly sign and return to us two counterparts hereof, and upon confirmation and acceptance by the Underwriters, this Agreement and such confirmation and acceptance will become a binding agreement between the Company, on the one hand, and each of the Underwriters, on the other hand, in accordance with its terms.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Very truly yours, | Very truly yours, |
| Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC | Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC |
| By: | /s/ Jordan Morgan |
|  | Name: Jordan Morgan |
|  | Title: Assistant Treasurer |

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[*Remainder of page left blank intentionally*]

[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]

The foregoing Underwriting Agreement is hereby<br> confirmed and accepted as of the date first above written.

CIBC World Markets Corp.

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

PNC Capital Markets LLC

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc.

TD Securities (USA) LLC

Truist Securities, Inc.

U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc.

On behalf of each of the Underwriters

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| CIBC World Markets Corp. | CIBC World Markets Corp. | SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc. | SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc. |
| By: | /s/ Michael Kim | By: | /s/ Amanda Boggs |
| Name: Michael Kim | Name: Michael Kim | Name: Amanda Boggs | Name: Amanda Boggs |
| Title: Managing Director | Title: Managing Director | Title: Managing Director | Title: Managing Director |
| J.P. Morgan Securities LLC | J.P. Morgan Securities LLC | TD Securities (USA) LLC | TD Securities (USA) LLC |
| By: | /s/ Robert Bottamedi | By: | /s/ Brian Bednarski |
| Name: Robert Bottamedi | Name: Robert Bottamedi | Name: Brian Bednarski | Name: Brian Bednarski |
| Title: Executive Director | Title: Executive Director | Title: Director | Title: Director |
| PNC Capital Markets LLC | PNC Capital Markets LLC | Truist Securities, Inc. | Truist Securities, Inc. |
| By: | /s/ Valerie Shadeck | By: | /s/ Rob Nordlinger |
| Name: Valerie Shadeck | Name: Valerie Shadeck | Name: Rob Nordlinger | Name: Rob Nordlinger |
| Title: Managing Director | Title: Managing Director | Title: Managing Director | Title: Managing Director |
| RBC Capital Markets, LLC | RBC Capital Markets, LLC | U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc | U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc |
| By: | /s/ John M. Sconzo | By: | /s/ Brent Kreissl |
| Name: John M. Sconzo | Name: John M. Sconzo | Name: Brent Kreissl | Name: Brent Kreissl |
| Title: Managing Director | Title: Managing Director | Title: Managing Director | Title: Managing Director |

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[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]

**SCHEDULE A**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Underwriter** | **Principal Amount<br> of 2031 Bonds<br> to be Purchased** | **Principal Amount <br> of 2036 Bonds <br> to be Purchased** | **Principal Amount <br> of 2056 Bonds <br> to be Purchased** |
| CIBC World Markets Corp. | $38000000 | $95000000 | $95000000 |
| J.P. Morgan Securities LLC | 38000000 | 95000000 | 95000000 |
| PNC Capital Markets LLC | 38000000 | 95000000 | 95000000 |
| RBC Capital Markets, LLC | 38000000 | 95000000 | 95000000 |
| SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc. | 38000000 | 95000000 | 95000000 |
| TD Securities (USA) LLC | 38000000 | 95000000 | 95000000 |
| Truist Securities, Inc. | 38000000 | 95000000 | 95000000 |
| U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc. | 38000000 | 95000000 | 95000000 |
| Citizens JMP Securities, LLC | 14400000 | 36000000 | 36000000 |
| Fifth Third Securities, Inc. | 14400000 | 36000000 | 36000000 |
| FNB America Securities LLC | 14400000 | 36000000 | 36000000 |
| Huntington Securities, Inc. | 14400000 | 36000000 | 36000000 |
| Regions Securities LLC | 14400000 | 36000000 | 36000000 |
| Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC | 14400000 | 36000000 | 36000000 |
| Academy Securities, Inc. | 1600000 | 4000000 | 4000000 |
| AmeriVet Securities, Inc. | 1600000 | 4000000 | 4000000 |
| Drexel Hamilton, LLC | 1600000 | 4000000 | 4000000 |
| Mischler Financial Group, Inc. | 1600000 | 4000000 | 4000000 |
| Roberts & Ryan, Inc. | 1600000 | 4000000 | 4000000 |
| Samuel A. Ramirez & Company, Inc. | 1600000 | 4000000 | 4000000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $400000000 | $1000000000 | $1000000000 |

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**SCHEDULE B**

**PRICING DISCLOSURE PACKAGE**

1) Base Prospectus

2) Preliminary Prospectus Supplement dated June 2, 2026

3) Permitted Free Writing Prospectus

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a) Pricing Term Sheet attached as Schedule C hereto

**SCHEDULE C**

***Filed pursuant to Rule 433***

***June 2, 2026***

***Relating to***

***Preliminary Prospectus Supplement dated June 2, 2026***

***to***

***Prospectus dated September 23, 2025***

***Registration Statement No. 333-290475-05***

**Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC<br> First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, $400,000,000 4.65% Series due 2031**

**$1,000,000,000 5.15% Series due 2036<br> $1,000,000,000 5.75% Series due 2056**

<u>Pricing Term Sheet</u>

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Issuer: | Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (the "**Issuer**") | Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (the "**Issuer**") | Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (the "**Issuer**") |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Trade Date: | June 2, 2026 | June 2, 2026 | June 2, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Settlement Date: | June 5, 2026 | June 5, 2026 | June 5, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Security Description: | First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 4.65% Series due 2031 (the "**2031 Bonds**") | First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 5.15% Series due 2036 (the "**2036 Bonds**") | First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 5.75% Series due 2056 (the "**2056 Bonds**") |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Principal Amount: | $400000000 | $1000000000 | $1000000000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Maturity Date: | June 15, 2031 | June 15, 2036 | June 15, 2056 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Benchmark Treasury: | 4.125% due May 31, 2031 | 4.375% due May 15, 2036 | 4.750% due February 15, 2056 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Benchmark Treasury Price: | 99-24+ | 99-12+ | 96-20+ |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Benchmark Treasury Yield: | 4.177% | 4.451% | 4.967% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Spread to Benchmark Treasury: | + 50 bps | + 70 bps | + 80 bps |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Reoffer Yield: | 4.677% | 5.151% | 5.767% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Price to the Public: | 99.879% per 2031 Bond, plus accrued interest, if any, from June 5, 2026 | 99.990% per 2036 Bond, plus accrued interest, if any, from June 5, 2026 | 99.756% per 2056 Bond, plus accrued interest, if any, from June 5, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Coupon: | 4.65% | 5.15% | 5.75% |

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---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest Payment Dates: | Payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15, beginning on December 15, 2026 | Payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15, beginning on December 15, 2026 | Payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15, beginning on December 15, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Redemption Provisions/<br> Make-Whole Call: | &nbsp;&nbsp; Prior to May 15, 2031 (the date that is one month prior to the maturity date of the 2031 Bonds (the "**2031 Par Call Date**")), the Issuer may redeem the 2031 Bonds at its option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of: (1)(a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date (assuming the 2031 Bonds matured on the 2031 Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate applicable to the 2031 Bonds + 10 basis points less (b) interest accrued to the redemption date; and (2) 100% of the principal amount of the 2031 Bonds to be redeemed, plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date.<br>On or after the 2031 Par Call Date, the Issuer may redeem the 2031 Bonds at its option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2031 Bonds to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date. | &nbsp;&nbsp; Prior to March 15, 2036 (the date that is three months prior to the maturity date of the 2036 Bonds (the "**2036 Par Call Date**")), the Issuer may redeem the 2036 Bonds at its option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of: (1)(a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date (assuming the 2036 Bonds matured on the 2036 Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate applicable to the 2036 Bonds + 15 basis points less (b) interest accrued to the redemption date; and (2) 100% of the principal amount of the 2036 Bonds to be redeemed, plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date.<br>On or after the 2036 Par Call Date, the Issuer may redeem the 2036 Bonds at its option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2036 Bonds to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date. | &nbsp;&nbsp; Prior to December 15, 2055 (the date that is six months prior to the maturity date of the 2056 Bonds (the "**2056 Par Call Date**")), the Issuer may redeem the 2056 Bonds at its option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of: (1)(a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date (assuming the 2056 Bonds matured on the 2056 Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate applicable to the 2056 Bonds + 15 basis points less (b) interest accrued to the redemption date; and (2) 100% of the principal amount of the 2056 Bonds to be redeemed, plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date.<br>On or after the 2056 Par Call Date, the Issuer may redeem the 2056 Bonds at its option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2056 Bonds to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date.<br>|

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---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Tax Credit Event <br> Redemption: | &nbsp;&nbsp;At the Issuer's option, in whole but not in part at 101% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date (any notice of redemption may be issued by the later of (a) December 31, 2026 and (b) six months from the date of issuance). | &nbsp;&nbsp;At the Issuer's option, in whole but not in part at 101% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date (any notice of redemption may be issued by the later of (a) December 31, 2026 and (b) six months from the date of issuance). | &nbsp;&nbsp;At the Issuer's option, in whole but not in part at 101% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date (any notice of redemption may be issued by the later of (a) December 31, 2026 and (b) six months from the date of issuance). |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CUSIP / ISIN: | &nbsp;&nbsp;26442C BR4 / US26442CBR43 | 26442C BS2 / US26442CBS26 | 26442C BT0 / US26442CBT09 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Joint Book-Running Managers: | &nbsp;&nbsp; CIBC World Markets Corp.<br> J.P. Morgan Securities LLC<br> PNC Capital Markets LLC<br> RBC Capital Markets, LLC<br> SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc.<br> TD Securities (USA) LLC<br> Truist Securities, Inc.<br> U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc. | &nbsp;&nbsp; CIBC World Markets Corp.<br> J.P. Morgan Securities LLC<br> PNC Capital Markets LLC<br> RBC Capital Markets, LLC<br> SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc.<br> TD Securities (USA) LLC<br> Truist Securities, Inc.<br> U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc. | &nbsp;&nbsp; CIBC World Markets Corp.<br> J.P. Morgan Securities LLC<br> PNC Capital Markets LLC<br> RBC Capital Markets, LLC<br> SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc.<br> TD Securities (USA) LLC<br> Truist Securities, Inc.<br> U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Co-Managers: | &nbsp;&nbsp; Citizens JMP Securities, LLC<br> Fifth Third Securities, Inc.<br> FNB America Securities LLC<br> Huntington Securities, Inc.<br> Regions Securities LLC<br> Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC<br> Academy Securities, Inc.<br> AmeriVet Securities, Inc.<br> Drexel Hamilton, LLC<br> Mischler Financial Group, Inc.<br> Roberts & Ryan, Inc.<br> Samuel A. Ramirez & Company, Inc. | &nbsp;&nbsp; Citizens JMP Securities, LLC<br> Fifth Third Securities, Inc.<br> FNB America Securities LLC<br> Huntington Securities, Inc.<br> Regions Securities LLC<br> Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC<br> Academy Securities, Inc.<br> AmeriVet Securities, Inc.<br> Drexel Hamilton, LLC<br> Mischler Financial Group, Inc.<br> Roberts & Ryan, Inc.<br> Samuel A. Ramirez & Company, Inc. | &nbsp;&nbsp; Citizens JMP Securities, LLC<br> Fifth Third Securities, Inc.<br> FNB America Securities LLC<br> Huntington Securities, Inc.<br> Regions Securities LLC<br> Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC<br> Academy Securities, Inc.<br> AmeriVet Securities, Inc.<br> Drexel Hamilton, LLC<br> Mischler Financial Group, Inc.<br> Roberts & Ryan, Inc.<br> Samuel A. Ramirez & Company, Inc. |

---

**The Issuer has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for the offering to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement and other documents the Issuer has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the Issuer and this offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC Web site at <u>www.sec.gov.</u> Alternatively, the Issuer, any underwriter or any dealer participating in the offering will arrange to send you the prospectus if you request it by calling CIBC World Markets Corp. toll-free at (800) 282-0822, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC collect at (212) 834-4533, PNC Capital Markets LLC toll-free at (855) 881-0697, RBC Capital Markets, LLC toll-free at (866) 375-6829, SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc. toll-free at (888) 868-6856, TD Securities (USA) LLC toll-free at (855) 495-9846, Truist Securities, Inc. toll-free at (800) 685-4786 or U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc. toll-free at (877) 558-2607.**

**<u>Annex A</u>**

<u>Material Agreements</u>

364-Day Delayed Draw Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of March 13, 2026, by and among Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC as Borrower, the lenders referred to therein, as Lenders, PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and PNC Capital Markets LLC, BofA Securities, LLC, Mizuho Bank, LTD., Truist Securities, Inc., Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and U.S. Bank National Association as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners.

Annex A