Duke Energy will not meet carbon emission goals by 2030

CHARLOTTE — Duke Energy will not meet North Carolina carbon emissions goals by 2030, according to a recent filing.

Due to HB 951, which passed in 2021, North Carolina requires Duke Energy to meet two emissions deadlines. By 2030, the utilities company is supposed to reduce its emissions by 70% of 2005 levels. By 2050, Duke Energy’s emissions are supposed to be net-zero.

The North Carolina Utilities Commission waived that 2030 deadline requirement Friday agreeing with Duke Energy’s claim that it cannot meet the goals while keeping the energy system reliable. The commission is asking Duke Energy to take “all reasonable steps” to meet that 70% reduction by “the earliest possible date.”

HB 951 allows for an extension due to reliability concerns and Duke Energy to pursue long-lead-time projects like nuclear and offshore wind. The utility is pursuing those technologies and claims it can meet the emissions goals by 2035.

In the days following the decision, several environmental and climate-focused organizations expressed their disappointment, including the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association, which was an intervenor in the case.

As senior regulatory counsel, Justin Somelofske said he argued for the NCUC to hold Duke as close to that 2030 deadline as possible.

Due to HB 951, which passed in 2021, North Carolina requires Duke Energy to meet two emissions deadlines. By 2030, the utilities company is supposed to reduce its emissions by 70% of 2005 levels. By 2050, Duke Energy’s emissions are supposed to be net-zero.

The North Carolina Utilities Commission waived that 2030 deadline requirement Friday agreeing with Duke Energy’s claim that it cannot meet the goals while keeping the energy system reliable. The commission is asking Duke Energy to take “all reasonable steps” to meet that 70% reduction by “the earliest possible date.”

HB 951 allows for an extension due to reliability concerns and Duke Energy to pursue long-lead-time projects like nuclear and offshore wind. The utility is pursuing those technologies and claims it can meet the emissions goals by 2035.

In the days following the decision, several environmental and climate-focused organizations expressed their disappointment, including the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association, which was an intervenor in the case.

As senior regulatory counsel, Justin Somelofske said he argued for the NCUC to hold Duke as close to that 2030 deadline as possible.

>>Click here for Duke Energy’s response to the Carolinas Resource Plan decision by North Carolina Utilities Commission

Statement from North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association which is one of the intervenors in the filing:

“There’s a lot to celebrate in this order, including significant additions of solar, battery storage, and onshore wind, which reflects the value these resources bring to ratepayers across the state from a cost-savings and reliability perspective. However, on the other end, it’s concerning to see a movement away from the intention of House Bill 951 to achieve 70% carbon emissions reductions in the electricity sector by 2030. This order leaves the door open for Duke Energy to stall on carbon compliance in order to develop additional resources, like natural gas, that largely benefit their shareholders over ratepayers.”

Channel 9 is waiting on a response from Duke Energy.

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