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

Piedmont Natural Gas Company, Inc.
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Not Applicable
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Former name or former address, if changed since last report

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)
[x]  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))

Item 8.01 Other Events.

On December 18, 2015, Duke Energy Corporation ("Duke Energy") announced that it has designated Frank Yoho, Senior Vice President - Commercial Operations of Piedmont Natural Gas Company, Inc. ("Piedmont") to lead Duke Energy's natural gas operations, including those of Piedmont, when its previously announced acquisition of Piedmont is closed.

On December 22, 2015, Piedmont and Duke Energy issued a joint press release announcing that the Federal Trade Commission has granted early termination of the 30-day waiting period under the federal Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act with regard to the acquisition. Expiration or termination of the waiting period is one of the conditions required for completion of the acquisition under the Agreement and Plan of Merger among Piedmont, Duke Energy and Forest Subsidiary, Inc. dated October 24, 2015. The press release is filed as Exhibit 99.1 hereto, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Additional information and where to find it

This communication may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the merger of Piedmont into Duke Energy. In connection with the merger, Piedmont filed a definitive proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on December 14, 2015 and intends to file other relevant materials with the SEC. INVESTORS OF PIEDMONT ARE URGED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PIEDMONT AND THE MERGER. Investors may obtain a free copy of these materials (when they are available) and other documents filed by Piedmont with the SEC at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, at Piedmont Natural Gas' website at www.piedmontng.com or by sending a written request to Piedmont Natural Gas Company, Inc. at Piedmont Natural Gas Company, Inc., Corporate Secretary, 4720 Piedmont Row Drive Charlotte, North Carolina, 28210. Security holders may also read and copy any reports, statements and other information filed by Piedmont with the SEC, at the SEC public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 or visit the SEC's website for further information on its public reference room.


Participants in the solicitation

Duke Energy, Piedmont and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and other persons may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the transaction. Information regarding Duke Energy’s directors and executive officers is available in Duke Energy’s proxy statement filed with the SEC on March 26, 2015 in connection with its 2015 annual meeting of stockholders, and information regarding Piedmont Natural Gas’ directors and executive officers is available in Piedmont Natural Gas’ proxy statement filed with the SEC on January 16, 2015 in connection with its 2015 annual meeting of shareholders. Other information regarding persons who may be deemed participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement and other relevant materials filed or to be filed with the SEC when they become available.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

Item 99.1 Joint Press Release dated December 22, 2015

SIGNATURES

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

Exhibit Index