(RALEIGH) -- The controversial CEO of Duke Energy is assuring business leaders across the state that the utility's commitment is as strong as Progress Energy's. Former Progress CEO Bill Johnson was supposed to lead the newly merged company, but he was shown the door to make room for Jim Rogers.

At a breakfast meeting in Raleigh on Thursday, Rogers tried to mend fences. "Every county in this state, from the east to the west and everything in between, we're going to be focused on trying to do business development, economic development," said Rogers.

Rogers also said Duke Energy will match Progress Energy in funding charities and the arts.