While Duke Energy filed a draft plan with the NC Utilities Commission last year, their proposal falls woefully short of establishing the robust clean energy transition North Carolina needs. Now, with several key opportunities for public engagement over the next few months, it’s more important than ever for community members like you to get involved and make your voice heard!
The Carbon Plan is a comprehensive strategic document that aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and promote a sustainable future for our state.
The North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) is responsible for crafting a comprehensive Carbon Plan that meets the specific emissions reduction goals set by the NC General Assembly. These include reducing North Carolina’s electric power sector greenhouse gas emissions by 70% below 2005 levels by 2030, and attaining complete carbon neutrality by 2050.
Meeting these targets will require curtailing the use of fossil fuels for power generation, improving energy storage and efficiency in our electric grid, and ramping up clean, renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.
In August 2023, Duke Energy submitted its proposed Carbon Plan to the NCUC, outlining their vision for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Unfortunately, the draft plan being pushed by Duke Energy calls for more investments in polluting, outdated fossil fuels while delaying the growth of clean energy infrastructure.
Carbon emissions from fossil fuel combustion are by far the largest contributors to climate change. And in North Carolina, electricity generation is the second largest source of greenhouse gases (behind transportation), accounting for a third of our state’s emissions. Continuing to rely on gas and coal, as Duke suggests, would put our state’s climate targets out of reach while pumping out air pollutants that jeopardize our health and make us sick.
But Duke Energy doesn’t have the final say. The NCUC is actively seeking public input on the Carbon Plan, inviting community members to share their perspectives, priorities, and concerns. This is our chance to weigh in on the plan’s goals, strategies, and potential impacts on our communities.
You do not have to be an expert in this field to have your voice heard. In fact, the NCUC would prefer personalized experiences. How would an increase in power plants impact your community? What would happen if your electric bill went up so it could help fund some of the infrastructures Duke is proposing? Tell your story.
Over the coming months, there will be multiple opportunities for community members to provide input and feedback on the development of the Carbon Plan. It is crucial to actively engage in these activities to ensure that the final plan reflects the unique needs and perspectives of North Carolina’s diverse communities.
The NCUC has scheduled a series of public hearings across the state, starting on April 9th. Find the date and location of your nearest public hearing, and let us know you plan to participate >>>
Knowledge is power. That’s why we’re excited to invite you to our upcoming webinar, “Shaping the Carbon Plan Through Community Engagement,” on March 13. Join us as we delve deeper into the Carbon Plan and how you can actively engage in the policy process.
This webinar offers insights into the Carbon Plan process, strategies for effective engagement, and ways to communicate your ideas to policymakers. By attending this webinar, you will:
Register today! Space is filling up, so reserve your spot by March 8th. And spread the word and invite your friends, family, and neighbors to join this important conversation.
The Carbon Plan is our opportunity to reshape North Carolina’s energy future and protect the health of all North Carolinians. Let’s build our collective voice to make a difference!
Written public comments provide an avenue for individual participation in the policy-making process. Share your written opinions and suggestions through the NCUC’s online portal or by mail.
Mailing Address:
4325 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-4300
