In accordance with the process and procedures set forth in the April 6, 2006 “Duke Energy Marketing America Portfolio Release” posting (“Portfolio Posting”), Duke Energy Marketing America, LLC and Duke Energy Trading and Marketing, L.L.C. hereby provide notice that the Final Reverse Auction Payment amount is:

One Hundred Sixty Six Million One Hundred Thirteen Thousand Five Hundred Dollars

($ 166,113,500 )

Subject to the bid terms set forth in the Portfolio Posting, Bidders interested in acquiring the Northwestern Portfolio are invited to submit competitive bids, no later than 6:00 p.m. (CCT) on April 25, 2006, for amounts lower than the Final Reverse Auction Payment amount of               $166,113,500, but not to exceed zero.

Potential Bidders should direct questions regarding this Notice to Keith Barnhart at kgbarnhart@duke-energy.com or 801.531.4404.