U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler will be heading to back Washington after he leaves Congress at the year's end, this time to work for Duke Energy.

In his new position as senior vice president of federal affairs for the Charlotte-based energy giant, Shuler will be focusing on representing the interests of the company’s 7.1 million customers, heading up a team of lobbyists, though he cannot personally lobby for a year under the rules of Congress.

Part of his job will involve working closely with leaders in energy associations to support federal issues that will impact the company, customers and shareholders.

In accordance with U.S. House of Representatives ethics rules, Shuler will not vote on any matters affecting Duke Energy for the remainder of the 112th Congress.

Shuler, a three-term Blue Dog ...