On November 1, 2024, the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) announced a comprehensive Carbon Plan that outlines how North Carolina will reduce carbon emissions in the coming years and decades. While the plan includes some commendable steps toward a cleaner energy future, it falls short in key areas that are crucial for both the environment and the well-being of all North Carolinians.
The bi-partisan and landmark legislation HB 951, signed by Governor Cooper in 2021, requires North Carolina to reduce power-sector emissions by 70% by 2030. The newly released Carbon Plan does lay out strategies that will grow solar and onshore wind energy production and expand battery storage capacity. Unfortunately, the approved plan’s reliance on continued fossil fuel use will delay critical carbon reduction targets. This failure to accelerate the transition to renewable energy puts North Carolina at risk of missing our 2030 emissions reduction goal and exacerbates the climate crisis.
Andrew Whelan
Communications Manager
(919) 408-7031
[email protected]
The plan’s lack of transparency and accessibility to residential ratepayers also poses a significant barrier to creating a just and equitable energy system for North Carolina. We believe the NCUC plays a critical role in overseeing reasonable and affordable utility rates, energy efficiency, and environmentally-conscious practices. Therefore, we believe the NCUC can and should do a better job at making sure its decisionmaking process reflects public interests rather than corporate ones.
Despite these shortcomings, CleanAIRE NC remains committed to fighting for a cleaner and healthier North Carolina. We will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize renewable energy, energy efficiency, and environmental justice while working to educate, uplift, and empower communities impacted by air quality and climate change.
CleanAIRE NC would also like to thank everyone who engaged in the stakeholder process, including the general public, public staff, intervenors, organizations, experts, and everyone in between who showed their commitment to reshaping our state’s energy future.
The Carbon Plan process is not over. The law requires the NCUC to review and adjust the plan every two years. This process allows the Commission to monitor the changing dynamics of the electric system and the appropriate actions to ensure that Duke Energy follows a least-cost path to compliance with its obligations under North Carolina law. Duke Energy will file a new proposal with the NCUC by September 1, 2025.
We urge the NCUC to hold Duke Energy accountable to the stringent requirements of House Bill 951 and ensure that the next iteration of the Carbon Plan reflects the urgency of the climate crisis. CleanAIRE NC will continue to monitor the Carbon Plan’s implementation and advocate for policies that benefit all North Carolinians.
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CleanAIRE NC is a statewide nonprofit organization advocating for the health of all North Carolinians by pursuing equitable and collaborative solutions that address climate change and air pollution. www.cleanAIREnc.org
