BACKGROUND on Duke Energy’s GREENWASHING STRATEGY:

 

Duke Energy is using an enormous public relations offensive claiming the corporate utility supports energy efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gases.

 

But… Duke has no substantial programs underway – or imminent – that actually save energy, as revealed at NC Utilities Commission hearings in June and reiterated in January 2007 hearings.

At that time, Duke announced an extensive review of other states’ efficiency programs. But instead of awaiting its own efficiency report, the company is pressing for approval to build two massive, old-style coal-burners at its Cliffside Plant west of Charlotte.

 

In August, Duke and Progress Energy killed legislation creating an energy efficiency study and funding for the NC Energy Office – the state’s best smart-energy resource.

 

If administered in the public interest, efficiency programs could displace the need for new generation units for far less than the new price tag approaching $4 billion projected for Duke’s 1600-megawatt pulverized coal burners.

 

 

Will NC go backward with more dirty power and greenhouse gases? 

Or move ahead with efficient, clean energy?

  We must make the choice.

 If allowed to build new plants, Duke Energy and Progress Energy will continue blocking smart-energy programs.