Office of the Chief Accountant Securities and Exchange Commission 450 Fifth Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20549 April 12, 2000 Dear Sir/Madam: We have read the 4 paragraphs of Item 4 included in the Form 8-K dated March 27, 2000 of Public Service Company of North Carolina, Incorporated filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 3, 2000 and are in agreement with the statements contained therein. Very truly yours, ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP By /s John L. Giannuzzi Copy to: Mr. Kevin P. Marsh, Chief Financial Officer Public Service Company of North Carolina, Incorporated