Piedmont's CEO to Undergo Elective Surgery in January

Piedmont Natural Gas PNY announced today that Thomas E. Skains, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer will undergo elective surgery on January 4 to repair a genetic abnormality in a cerebral blood vessel. During his anticipated three to four week recovery, Mr. Skains will delegate his management duties and responsibilities to David J. Dzuricky, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, who, along with the rest of the Company's executive management team, will ensure operations continue in normal course. Malcolm E. Everett III, Piedmont's Independent Lead Director, will assume the Board Chairman role during this period of time, pursuant to the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines.