North Carolina

Utilities

As data centers go up, North Carolina weighs how to handle energy demand

Duke wants to build gas plants, but clean energy advocates argue that solar, battery storage, and demand response could help alleviate growing strain on the grid.

By Elizabeth Ouzts .

16 September 2025

A person walks past rows of hardware in a warehouse — An employee walks past servers at the Facebook data center in Forest City, North Carolina. (Rainier Ehrhardt/Getty Images)

Energy efficiency

North Carolina families see lower bills with new Duke Energy program

The utility refers low-income customers to groups like Energy Savers Network, which provides free efficiency retrofits for long-term savings.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 9 September 2025
Emissions reduction

North Carolina ditched its 2030 climate goal. Now what?

Rising power demand and the low cost of renewables may give wind and solar a fighting chance even though Duke Energy no longer has to cut emissions in the near term.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 26 August 2025
Utilities

North Carolina approves Duke Energy plan to let customers access their data

The new program, long in the making, has support from clean energy groups, but critics worry about fees and unattainable cybersecurity standards.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 1 August 2025
Clean energy jobs

Energy bill could cost North Carolina billions in lost investments and jobs

As lawmakers decide whether to override the governor’s veto of SB 266, new research estimates the massive economic toll of the legislation.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 25 July 2025
Clean energy

Rural North Carolina town forges ahead on clean energy, despite headwinds

Federal lawmakers are throwing a wrench in Enfield’s plans for solar, energy efficiency, and a resilience center. But local leaders refuse to give up.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 11 July 2025
Emissions reduction

N.C. governor vetoes bill that would have delayed clean energy goal

The bill would have eliminated a 2030 emissions-reduction target for Duke Energy — and caused the utility to build less generation, just as power demand is rising.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 2 July 2025
Utilities

N.C. bill gives big energy users a break — at the expense of households

The proposal is part of a swift-moving package that would also unravel the state’s climate targets. Duke Energy and industrial customers have voiced support.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 11 June 2025
Solar

This food bank saved big with solar. GOP cuts could crush similar efforts.

A North Carolina nonprofit could save $143,000 per year thanks to rooftop solar. House Republicans want to end the federal incentives that made it possible.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 9 June 2025
Clean energy

In N.C., all eyes on Senator Tillis as IRA tax credits hang in balance

North Carolina will lose big if cuts to clean energy incentives become law. Will Tillis, on record against "wholesale repeal" of the credits, go to bat for his state?

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 2 June 2025
Transmission

North Carolina eyes grid-enhancing tech to improve aging power lines

Regulators are prodding utility Duke Energy to deploy cutting-edge tools like dynamic line rating and carbon composite conductors to improve transmission.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 15 May 2025