OREANDA-NEWS. Duke Energy Progress has selected a 500-acre site in Kershaw County, S.C., to participate in the utility's 2013 Site Readiness Program to prepare the location for potential industrial development.

Duke Energy's Site Readiness Program is designed to help communities served by the utility compete for new companies and jobs.

The Kershaw County site, known as the Emanuel Site for the family that owns the property, is located less than five miles from Interstate 20 in Lugoff, S.C.

"The Site Readiness Program offers our area an outstanding opportunity to assist in diversifying our economy and adding jobs," said Peggy McLean, director of Kershaw County economic development. "It strengthens our ongoing efforts to attract industry and investments."

As part of the four-month assessment, Duke Energy has hired McCallum Sweeney, a nationally known consulting firm, to conduct a site study. McCallum Sweeney has been instrumental in many high-profile industrial locations and expansions.

Duke Energy will work with professional land-use planners to develop conceptual plans for the site. Duke Energy, McCallum Sweeney and the planners will present recommendations in a final report to Kershaw County leaders.

"This is a prime piece of undeveloped property that has a lot of potential. Our review and assessment will provide the information needed to get it shovel-ready," said Stuart Ames, Duke Energy's economic development manager for Kershaw County.

After the site's state of readiness has advanced, Duke Energy's Business Development Team will actively market the site nationwide to companies looking to expand or relocate their operations.

Duke Energy's economic development team forges strategic relationships with prospective industries nationally and globally.

"Our competitive edge comes from offering our customers affordable and reliable electricity," said Stu Heishman, Duke Energy's vice president of economic and business development. "The cost of electricity is a big part of an industry's budget. Not only are our prices competitive in the Southeast, they are below the national average."

More than 35 counties submitted applications for Duke Energy's Site Readiness Program in North Carolina and South Carolina.

The Emmanuel site was one of eight South Carolina sites chosen by the utility.