Asking N.C. Lawmakers to Reject Duke’s Money Grab

On Jan. 28, just before the North Carolina legislative session began, we joined our partners at nonprofit organization NC WARN to call on our elected leaders to reject Duke Energy’s anticipated grid plan. The contentious proposal would lock in up to $13 billion in customer rate increases for wasteful capital projects under the guise of grid improvement.

Over the past two years, dozens of commercial and industrial customer associations, consumer groups such as AARP, and environmental justice organizations have successfully opposed Duke’s grid proposal in the legislature and at the NC Utilities Commission. But, according to news reports, the utility is aiming to gain approval for an initial portion of the massive grid scheme and seek the entire, multi-billion dollar rate hike over time.

“Duke claims the plan would prepare the electric grid for more renewable energy, but as our letter describes, the giant monopoly is actually impeding the growth of renewables and storage, and plans to be only 8 percent renewable in the Carolinas in 15 years,” said Matt Wasson, Appalachian Voices’ Director of Programs.

Visit appvoices.org/state-gov for updates.