NC Utilities Commission Halts Duke Energy Solar Procurement, Threatening 770 MW of New Power

Context Duke Energy’s roadmap to carbon neutrality by 2050 relies heavily on new solar projects. A 2021 state law requires utilities to file a carbon‑reduction plan every two years, with the latest draft due by Dec. 31. The commission’s chairman, Bill Brawley, intervened before that deadline, demanding a halt to any new solar purchases until the updated plan is approved.

Key Facts - The halt removes 770 MW of solar capacity that Duke intended to add by the early 2030s. That amount could power more than 100,000 homes. - Duke’s 2025 procurement achieved half of the 3,460 MW target set in the 2024 carbon plan; this year the utility sought to scale back to 770 MW, citing higher costs and the loss of federal tax credits after 2030. - Attorney Nick Jimenez of the Southern Environmental Law Center called the order “baffling,” noting a recent Duke forecast that large‑load customers—AI data centers and similar facilities—will increase demand by over 2 GW. - Chris Carmody, executive director of the Carolinas Clean Energy Business Association, warned that losing nearly a gigawatt of solar could raise prices and strain reliability. - Duke spokesperson Bill Norton said existing solar projects approved through 2030 remain unaffected and that solar paired with storage stays central to the company’s energy mix.

What It Means The commission’s decision creates a gap in North Carolina’s clean‑energy supply at a time when large industrial users are driving a projected 2 GW demand surge. Without the 770 MW of solar, utilities may turn to more expensive or carbon‑intensive resources, potentially pushing residential bills higher. The outcome hinges on the commission’s final carbon‑plan order later this year; a swift approval could reopen the procurement process, while further delays risk cementing the shortfall.

Looking Ahead Watch for the commission’s final carbon‑plan ruling and any legal challenges from renewable‑energy groups, which will shape whether Duke can resume solar procurement before the 2030 deadline.