NCUC Hearing on Duke Energy’s Future Plans has Major Implications for North Carolina Communities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18, 2024
Contact: media@votesolar.org
Raleigh, NC – The North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) will commence an expert hearing on July 22 to discuss Duke Energy’s plans for the state’s energy future. This critical hearing will evaluate the types of new energy resources Duke Energy will be allowed to build in the coming years, including the contentious decision of whether to construct long-lived, polluting fossil gas plants or embrace low-cost, carbon-free powerhouses like solar energy.
The NCUC’s decision will significantly impact North Carolina’s energy landscape, determining whether the state will continue to rely on fossil fuels and delay retiring coal plants or pivot towards renewable energy sources that promise a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Jake Duncan, Regulatory Director, Southeast at Vote Solar, recently presented to the NCUC, voicing his disappointment in Duke Energy’s proposed plans. “Duke wants to use North Carolinians’ money to double down on polluting fossil gas instead of investing in renewable energy,” Duncan stated. “If Duke invested in clean energy, we could have more reliable energy and lower energy bills across our State.”
The NCUC’s decision will shape the state’s energy policy for years to come, influencing not only environmental outcomes but also economic and public health impacts. The push for renewable energy sources like solar and wind is driven by their potential to provide cleaner, more reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions.
“Underserved communities, especially communities of color, face disproportionately higher utility bills and exposure to pollution from fossil fuels causing significant harm to their health and wellbeing. These inequities are further exacerbated by climate-induced extreme weather,” said Duncan. “Solar energy is the cornerstone to solving the climate crisis and realizing a more just society.”
About Vote Solar
Vote Solar is an energy justice non-profit working towards a 100% clean energy future by bringing solar to the mainstream. Founded in 2002, Vote Solar advocates for clean energy in legislative and regulatory arenas at the state level, where most decisions about electricity are made. Despite powerful opposition, we use a winning combination of deep policy expertise, coalition building, and public engagement to get the job done.
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