Duke Energy Carolinas, Duke Energy Progress file carbon reduction plans with regulators
Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress filed plans with state regulators that outline options and pathways to achieve varying levels of carbon reduction.
The plans were outlined in their 2020 Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs). The IRPs each present six potential pathways within the 15-year planning horizon that evaluate different possible resource portfolios. Each path keeps Duke Energy, the parent company of both firms, on pace to meet its near-term carbon reduction goal of 50 percent by 2030 and net-zero by 2050. One of the scenarios puts the company on the path to achieve up to 70 percent carbon emissions reduction by 2030 with policy and technology advancements.
The companies say aggressive carbon reduction targets are achievable with investments in solar, wind, and energy storage, as well as offshore wind, advanced nuclear, and other technologies.
“The Carolinas are a national leader for carbon emissions reduction in the electric sector, and we’re eager to build on and accelerate that success,” Lynn Good, Duke Energy chair, president and CEO, said. “To that end, we’ve conducted extensive analysis to provide customers, regulators, and policymakers a comprehensive view of the options for further reductions. We are ready to collaborate to find the best fit for the Carolinas and the citizens and businesses we serve.”
The plans are based on extensive input from more than 200 customer and stakeholder participants, including business customers, consumer advocacy, and environmental groups. Duke Energy held three virtual sessions with more than 200 external stakeholder participants who provided recommendations on resource planning, carbon reduction, energy efficiency, and demand response.
“Duke Energy certainly gave stakeholders many opportunities to weigh in before developing major long-term plans that will affect thousands of families and businesses, and I hope to see that robust engagement reflected throughout this important process,” David Rogers, southeast deputy regional director, Beyond Coal, Sierra Club, said. “I appreciated the opportunity for more substantive engagement with Duke Energy, and I highly encourage company leaders to continue involving stakeholders early in key strategic decisions.”
The plans also demonstrate the valuable role nuclear and natural gas play in a balanced portfolio and underscore the energy grid improvements that will be required to maintain reliability for customers.
“This is a clear-eyed view of the real-world requirements to achieve a range of potential public policy goals in the Carolinas, consistent with Duke Energy’s mission to provide all customers with affordable, reliable and cleaner energy,” Good said.
Duke Energy Progress (DEP) and Duke Energy Carolinas (DEC) are required to make Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) filings each year with the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) and the Public Service Commission of South Carolina (PSCSC).
