(CHARLOTTE) -- Duke Energy has declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock of $0.25 per share, an increase of a half-cent over the previous level. The dividend is payable on Sept. 16, 2011, to shareholders of record at the close of business Aug. 12, 2011.

"Today's announcement is further proof we are successfully carrying out our strategy to consistently grow the dividend and provide solid returns for our investors," said James E. Rogers, chairman, president and CEO. "Today's action also takes into account our significant reinvestment in the business and the importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet."

This is the 85th consecutive year that Duke Energy has paid a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock.