North Carolina's Carbon Plan criticized for lack of specifics, energy reliability and possible higher bills
Author: Joe Fisher
The passing of House Bill 951 requires Duke Energy and other electric utility providers to reduce carbon emissions by 70% from 2005 levels by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The Carbon Plan released on Dec. 30, one day ahead of the state deadline, essentially serves as a roadmap for how to make that happen. The state commission order establishes “a least cost path forward to meet the carbon dioxide emissions reduction mandates of House Bill 951 - to achieve a 70% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from electric generating facilities in North Carolina owned or operated by Duke Energy Progress, LLC, and Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (Duke), from 2005 levels by the year 2030 and carbon dioxide neutrality by the year 2050 - while maintaining or improving the reliability of the electric system.” “We believe this is a constructive outcome that advances our clean energy transition, supporting a diverse, ‘all of the above’ approach that is essential for long-term resource planning,” the statement reads. “We’ve already made incredible progress, retiring two-thirds of our aging coal plants in North Carolina and South Carolina and reducing emissions by more than 40% since 2005 – we will continue this ongoing work of lowering carbon emissions to reduce risk for our customers while balancing affordability and reliability.