The North Carolina Utilities Commission is hosting a series of hearings this summer to take public input on the draft carbon plan that Duke Energy filed May 16. Hearing opportunities include an in-person hearing at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 27, at the Buncombe County Courthouse in Asheville, and virtual hearings at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23, via Webex.
The plan, completed in response to the passage of H.B. 951, which Gov. Roy Cooper signed on Oct. 13, 2021, aims to achieve a 70% reduction from 2005 levels in carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. The law limits the applicability of this requirement to Duke Energy Progress and Duke Energy Carolinas and directs the Utilities Commission to develop a plan to achieve these reductions by Dec. 31, 2022. The plan is to be reviewed every two years thereafter.
