ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (May 15, 2008) -- The Progress Energy Foundation will invest more than $550,000 this year to fund energy and environmental education as well as workforce development at high school career academies throughout the state. The funds will support public-education foundations, science centers and Junior Achievement.

"We are proud partners in the communities we serve and our investment in K-12 education is a reflection of that partnership," said Jeff Lyash, president and CEO of Progress Energy Florida. "Our support for education pays huge dividends when the students who benefit join the workforce and become active participants in our communities. Every dollar we contribute to education is an investment in the future of our state."

Progress Energy Foundation grants will support these Florida programs:

K-12 education-- The Progress Energy Foundation invested in 17 education foundations throughout its service territory to fund math and science education programs, focused on those that include energy efficiency, renewable energy and environmental education. Funding will also support workforce development through investments in career academies. The following education foundations received funding: Alachua, Citrus, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hernando, Levy, Highlands, Lake, Levy, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia. Additionally, a grant was awarded to Junior Achievement of West Central Florida to support JA programs for high school students in Pinellas County.

Orlando Science Center and Science Center of Pinellas- Funding for the Orlando Science Center will develop a new Hydrogen X-Change exhibit. This new project will educate visitors about hydrogen as an alternative-fuel source. Science Center of Pinellas received a grant to develop energy-related programming and curriculum, creating a resource for Pinellas County teachers and parents to teach children about energy generation, energy efficiency and alternative energy.

Education is a key element of the company's overall investment in nonprofit partners in Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina. In addition to education, the company's grants focus on the environment, economic development and employee involvement. Since 2001, Progress Energy has contributed more than $15 million to public education. This year, the company will invest more than $1 million in local K-12 classrooms throughout Florida and the Carolinas.

"Our company has a proud history of supporting education in the communities where our customers and employees live and work," said Lyash. "We recognize that a strong education system helps to improve the quality of life in local communities. Our education grants support organizations that help ensure that all students have an opportunity to learn, grow and reach their full potential."

Progress Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Progress Energy (NYSE: PGN), provides electricity and related services to 1.7 million customers in Florida. The company is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Fla., and serves a territory encompassing more than 20,000 square miles including the cities of St. Petersburg and Clearwater, as well as the Central Florida area surrounding Orlando. Progress Energy Florida is pursuing a balanced approach to meeting the future energy needs of the region. That balance includes increased energy-efficiency programs, investments in renewable energy technologies and a state-of-the-art electricity system. For more information about Progress Energy, visit the company's Web site at www.progress-energy.com.

Media contact: Progress Energy Florida 24-hour media line (866) 520-6397