State ethics investigators are moving forward on a complaint by NC WARN alleging an improper relationship between Duke Energy and Senate Minority Leader Dan Blue. The 2019 complaint says Blue was lead promoter of hotly contested – and ultimately failed – legislation sought by Duke Energy while his family law firm was suing 32 landowners to make way for the proposed Atlantic Coast fracked gas Pipeline.
Energy Justice NC
Energy Justice NC: End the Duke Monopoly is a diverse coalition of local, state and national groups conducting a vigorous statewide campaign to end Duke Energy’s monopoly control of North Carolina’s energy markets and public officials. Learn more.
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End Duke Energy’s monopoly in North Carolina? It’s complicated — Energy News Network
Despite growing frustration across the political spectrum with Duke Energy’s rising rates and meager clean energy plans, there’s no clear path to ending the 115-year-old utility’s monopoly outright.
Why there’s a big fight brewing over Duke Energy’s power monopoly — Charlotte Business Journal
Concern about competition for energy production in the Carolinas has now led to a call by legislators in both states to consider broad utility reform.
Advocates say the state is allowing environmental harm in low-income, minority counties — News & Observer
The state is failing low-income communities with large African-American and Native American populations by allowing polluting industries to concentrate in their counties, a group of residents said Wednesday as they demanded that an environmental justice advisory board do more to advocate for them.
‘We’re nearing a tipping point’ for renewable energy, legislators say — Greensboro News & Record
Legislators from North Carolina and South Carolina told a clean energy group Tuesday the two states should work together in developing new, better and more innovative ways to distribute the benefits of solar power and other forms of renewable energy.
‘We’re nearing a tipping point’ for renewable energy, legislators say — Winston-Salem Journal
“I’m on the side of innovation and free markets,” Szoka said, adding that the “highly controlled monopolies” that run the industry today are approaching “a tipping point” where change is imminent. “Their best days are behind them and I think we need something else,” he said.
Major Victory vs Duke Rip-off Bill
NC WARN and many diverse allies gained a major win yesterday with the defeat – after seven intense months – of Duke Energy’s $23 billion ‘ratepayer rip-off bill’ (SB 559). This is a major blow against Duke Energy’s dirty business model including its massive expansion of climate-wrecking fracked gas.
Thanks to all the NC WARN members and allies for keeping the pressure on the legislature. Linked here is a statement by Appalachian Voices on behalf of the Energy Justice NC Coalition.
North Carolina Governor Urged to End Duke Monopoly, Transform Energy System — News Release from EJNC
In the wake of Hurricane Dorian, the Energy Justice NC Coalition today called on North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper to end Duke Energy’s monopoly and transform the state’s electricity system to 100 percent renewable energy as soon as possible.
Senators on joint committee reviewing controversial utility bill get top dollar from Duke Energy — News Release from EJNC
The state Senate vote yesterday on Duke Energy’s highly controversial “alternative ratemaking” bill and subsequent appointments to a conference committee clearly show the utility company’s undue influence over the legislative and public policy process, says the Energy Justice for North Carolina (EJNC) coalition.
The controversial bill on Duke Energy rates, explained: How does it affect customers? — News & Observer
Senate Bill 559, approved by the Senate, is awaiting approval in the state House, where it is sitting in committee. The bill, which Duke Energy heavily lobbied for, consists of two parts — the first related to storm recovery funding and the second, more controversial part related to expanding rate-setting options.