The North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) has approved a set of near-term actions aimed at maintaining reliable service while ensuring that Duke Energy continues to offer rates below the national average. The order outlines specific targets for the development of various energy resources over the coming years.
The NCUC's order directs Duke Energy to pursue several near-term resource additions. Duke Energy is to develop 3,460 MW of new solar generation beyond the NCUC’s 2022 order, aiming for a total of 6,700 MW by 2031. Additionally, the plan includes adding 1,100 MW of battery energy storage, beyond the 2022 order's directive, reaching a total of 2,700 MW by 2031. Duke Energy is also expected to have 1,200 MW of onshore wind in operation by 2033, with at least 300 MW operational by 2031. The order further calls for the addition of four combustion turbines by 2030, amounting to 900 MW of additional capacity (two units) beyond the 800 MW (two units) specified in the 2022 order. Lastly, three combined cycle units are to be operational by 2031, adding 2,720 MW of capacity (CC2 and CC3) in addition to the 1,200 MW (CC1) directed in the 2022 order.
The NCUC also approved plans for the development of long-term resources. Continued development work for Bad Creek II has been approved, including $165 million in early development costs. For nuclear energy, the commission approved continued development work, with $440 million allocated for early development costs, targeting 300 MW of advanced nuclear capacity online by 2034 and a total of 600 MW by 2035. The order also includes approval for continued development work through the Acquisition Request for Information (ARFI) to evaluate offshore wind's potential role in future resource plans. Results are to be filed no later than 30 July 2025, with a target of 800 to 1,100 MW of offshore wind by 2034 and 2,200 to 2,400 MW by 2035.
