Press Mention IEEFA (Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis) May 25, 2022
SACE Referenced
Environmental groups plan alternative to Duke carbon reduction plan
In this mention
Environmental groups including the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy plan to file an alternative carbon reduction plan for Duke Energy in North Carolina, arguing the utility's proposal relies too heavily on fossil fuels. The coalition aims to achieve the state's 70% carbon emissions reduction by 2030 and net-zero by 2050 through faster coal retirements, less natural gas, and greater investment in energy efficiency, solar, storage, and wind. Duke Energy maintains its May 16 filing represents an important step toward meeting state goals while balancing affordability and reliability.
Full transcript
Environmental groups plan alternative to Duke carbon reduction plan
May 26, 2022
Environmental groups intend to file an alternative to Duke Energy Corp.'s North Carolina carbon reduction plan, saying the utility's proposal remains too reliant on fossil fuels.
A coalition — comprising the Sierra Club, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, N.C. Sustainable Energy Association and Natural Resources Defense Council, represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center — have until July 15 to file a plan they say will focus more heavily on renewable deployment while still achieving the state-mandated "least-cost path."
Duke can meet the state's goals of a 70% carbon emissions reduction by 2030 compared to 2005 levels and net-zero by 2050 more cheaply "by focusing on faster coal retirements, less gas in the short term and a greater focus on energy efficiency, solar, storage and possibly wind," Dave Rogers, Southeast deputy regional director for the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal campaign, said.
Duke is standing by its proposal, filed May 16 with the North Carolina Utilities Commission, saying the four options in its plan aim to deliver clean energy and meet state goals while balancing affordability and reliability. (Docket E-100 Sub 179)
"Our proposal is an important step, but not the final plan," spokesman Bill Norton said.