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.
Duke Energy Gas Expansion
Duke Energy is planning a massive increase in its burning of natural gas to produce electricity. This would be a climate disaster because of the large amounts of super-potent methane that leak unburned from gas operations, particularly fracking. Recent science from the United Nations and others show that new gas infrastructure is incompatible with the goal of preventing catastrophic climate change. Read more here and in the news items below about NC WARN’s work to block Duke’s fracking gas future.
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Pressure Builds against Duke Energy’s Long-range Plan for NC — News Release from NC WARN
North Carolina groups call for end to utility monopoly, 100% renewable energy — PV MAGAZINE
Pipeline hits new setbacks — Rocky Mount Telegram
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.”
Dominion Vows To Cut Methane Emissions From Pipelines, Wells — WFAE
Methane that leaks from natural gas wells and pipelines or is vented during pipeline testing contributes to destruction of the ozone layer. Dominion Energy of Virginia says it will cut methane emissions from its natural gas system by about 25 percent over the next decade to help fight climate change.
NATURAL-GAS PIPELINE GETS A NEEDED SECOND LOOK — FAYETTEVILLE OBSERVER
‘Not too late, but it soon may be’: Cooper urges Congress to lead on climate change — News & Observer
Cooper allowed permitting for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, which would carry natural gas from West Virginia through Virginia and North Carolina. The pipeline has been delayed several times and mired in controversy, about its cost overruns, its environmental impacts and Cooper’s role in negotiating with its developer.
Critics to state regulators: Duke Energy must do much more to combat climate change — NC Policy Watch
Since Colson Combs was born just over 15 years ago, the planet Earth has recorded more than 10 of its hottest years on record. If humans have not dialed back greenhouse gas emissions by the time Combs reaches his late 20s, the world will likely be headed toward a climate crisis that will stalk him for his entire life.