Every two years, critics blast Duke Energy’s long-term generation plan in North Carolina, decrying it for containing too much coal and gas and too little renewable power. Each time, regulators approve the company’s blueprint with few if any changes.
Cooper’s Appointments to Utilities Commission — News Release from EJNC
A coalition of 14 environmental justice groups today called on North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper to appoint members to the North Carolina Utilities Commission that do not have ties to the fossil fuel industry and will protect public health and promote clean energy.
N.C. Needs Energy Choice, Not Monopoly Control — Goldsboro Daily News
Op-Ed by Bobby Jones and Ayo Wilson. North Carolina’s electricity system is broken, and the only way to fix it is to end Duke Energy’s state-approved monopoly control. Based in Charlotte, Duke provides 90% of our state’s electricity. For too long, its executives have abused their monopoly privilege and the people of North Carolina have paid the price.
Pressure Builds against Duke Energy’s Long-range Plan for NC — News Release from NC WARN
A ruling is expected any day on a regulatory hearing that could determine if North Carolina will finally join growing global efforts to avert runaway climate chaos or allow Duke Energy to continue driving humanity toward the cliff.
It’s time to end Duke Energy’s monopoly in NC — Winston-Salem Journal
Op-Ed by Donna, Jean and Jim. Since 2016, Robeson County has seen three so-called “500-year floods” and other steady rains that have turned the Lumbee River – a lifeline for generations – into something people fear. Eastern communities are also suffering the storm of efforts by Duke Energy to push the dirty Atlantic Coast Pipeline through their communities. They’ve also been hit with repeated rate increases and toxic coal ash pollution while the utility blocks competition from cheaper, cleaner renewable energy solutions.
NC legislators seek hearing in Charlotte on Duke Energy’s long-range plans — Charlotte Business Journal
Nine Mecklenburg Democrats in the N.C. General Assembly are calling on state regulators to hold additional hearings, including one with expert testimony, on the long-range plans for North Carolina’s three largest electric utilities.
North Carolina groups call for end to utility monopoly, 100% renewable energy — PV MAGAZINE
Their petition calls on elected officials to transition the state to 100% renewables; end Duke Energy’s monopoly on generation; refuse to accept campaign contributions from the utility; and appoint citizen-oriented utility commissioners.
Pipeline hits new setbacks — Rocky Mount Telegram
“This project is $3 billion over budget yet construction had barely begun when it’s been halted for many months,” Warren said. “My guess: 30 percent chance it’ll ever be completed.”
CLEAN ENERGY IS THE BEST WAY FORWARD — NEWS & RECORD
Op-ed by Beth McKee-Huger. For an expert engineer’s detailed analysis of opportunities for clean energy to transform our environment, mitigate climate change and create new employment, download North Carolina Clean Path 2025. With only a short time to turn around climate change, he describes what is economically and technologically feasible if we take bold action.
Environmental groups push to break Duke Energy’s monopoly — WRAL
A new coalition of environmental groups called for a sea change Wednesday in how North Carolina does electricity: an end to Duke Energy’s monopoly. The group delivered letters to Gov. Roy Cooper and General Assembly leadership that said “the interests of utility monopolies no longer coincide with those of the state’s electric power customers.”