Read our latest reports on North Carolina’s clean energy landscape.

Check out our member benefits featuring resources about clean energy regulations, policies, news, and events.

Recent Blogs and Press Releases

NC Utilities Commission Approves New Green Source Advantage Choice Large Customer Program 

Sep 10, 2024

Duke Energy recently revamped its Green Source Advantage program, a renewable energy tariff for large business customers.   Green Source Advantage was originally authorized under House Bill 589, passed in 2017, as a program to allow large energy customers to directly procure clean energy with Duke Energy facilitating the transaction. The program received the green light…

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C-PACE Financing Authorized by the NC Legislature Represents an Exciting Opportunity for the State

Sep 10, 2024

Due to a recent clean energy win at the legislature, North Carolina’s commercial property owners will soon have access to a key financing mechanism for energy-saving improvements through the authorization of Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure (C-PACE). With the passage of Senate Bill 802 by the N.C. General Assembly in late June and Gov. Roy…

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Transmission Planning – Unsung Hero of Our Clean Energy Future 

Sep 9, 2024

Achieving our clean energy future means upgrading and expanding our nation’s transmission grid, which is a complex and expensive proposition but with long-term benefits to customers.  We MUST get it right, and the NC Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) is heavily involved in stakeholder conversations that we hope will pave the way for decisive actions that…

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Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast Episode 114 (Summary and Transcript)

Aug 2, 2024

Solar energy is one of North Carolina’s most promising forms of renewable energy. There are nearly 39,000 residential, commercial, and utility-scale systems throughout the state. “Solar farms” are one form of solar energy production. These are large tracts of voluntarily leased farmland, which are financially advantageous for the landowners.   Despite all of the advantages, there are…

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Checking in on The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project: Podcast Episode 113 

Jul 22, 2024

What Can North Carolina Learn from Virginia’s Investments in Offshore Wind? The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) Project in Virginia Beach is a great example of what could be done in North Carolina. John Larson of Dominion Energy recently joined NCSEA on the Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast to discuss the specifics of the project and…

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The Role of Fuel Cost Volatility in Rising Electric Bills

Jul 18, 2024

When Duke Energy customers across the state got their utility bills earlier this year, many were shocked to find dramatic increases in the rates they were paying. The central reason: the high cost of natural gas.  In fact, EQ Research recently issued a report finding that between 46% and 67% (depending on where they live…

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Understanding Solar Net Metering Changes Impacting Duke Energy Customers

Jul 15, 2024

(Of note – the changes outlined in this blog took effect in October 2023.)  In 2023, the NC Utilities Commission approved changes to Duke Energy’s Net Energy Metering (NEM) policies for all customers-residential and nonresidential. These changes apply to both Duke Energy Carolina and Duke Energy Progress. It’s important for customers to understand the net…

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Bridging the Gap: Clean Energy Equity in North Carolina

Jul 8, 2024

Overview of Clean Energy in NC In recent years, North Carolina has emerged as a leader in solar energy adoption with over 9,000 MW of total installed solar capacity. While the overall picture of solar adoption in North Carolina is promising, significant disparities remain regarding who has access to these clean energy resources. Historically, low-income…

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Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast Transcription: Episode 112

Jul 3, 2024

Expediting OSW Development and Resource Diversification in NC (CPIRP) Duke Energy’s Carbon Plan (CPIRP) proceedings will continue to have huge impacts on the state of North Carolina for decades to come, defining how quickly our state can transition to renewable energy sources and who will reap the benefits. In a series of regulatory proceedings, NCSEA,…

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NCSEA Statement on SB802 (CPACE)

Jun 28, 2024

“The North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association applauds the General Assembly for passing C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure) legislation today with the passage of Senate Bill 802. This new voluntary financing tool for businesses will facilitate investments in property improvements, unlock energy efficiency and weather resiliency, create jobs, and help reduce energy bills. Buildings will be better prepared to withstand…

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Five Things to Know as NC Plans its Energy Future  

Jun 28, 2024

The coming months are hugely important to North Carolina’s future as the North Carolina Utilities Commission reviews, and ultimately decides, Duke Energy’s plans for the next several decades.  This Carbon Plan / Integrated Resource Plan (CPIRP) process will lay out how Duke Energy produces electricity for decades and, as a result, how much we pay.…

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Squeaky Clean Energy Podcast Transcription: Episode 111

Jun 25, 2024

Customers Want More Clean Energy, but Why Isn’t There Any to Buy? North Carolina is home to numerous international corporations, many of which have ambitious sustainability goals. Currently, North Carolina is home to over 1,224 business-owned renewable energy projects, with ever-growing demand. Since 2017, Duke Energy’s Green Source Advantage (GSA) Program has offered large public…

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SB166 Puts North Carolinians’ Safety and Energy Savings on the Chopping Block 

Jun 12, 2024

Some of North Carolina’s largest housing developers are once again pushing the General Assembly to weaken building codes and roll back fire safety measures, all while trying to boost the building industry’s influence on the state’s appointed Building Code Council.  State legislators created the NC Building Code Council (NCBCC) in 1933 and authorized it to,…

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Advancing Consumer Protection within North Carolina’s Solar Industry 

May 7, 2024

The Importance of Protecting Residential Solar Consumers  Over the past few years, North Carolina has witnessed a rapid expansion in the solar industry. While utility-scale solar comprises most of the state’s installed capacity, 95% of the total number of installed systems are residential. Given the development of this market segment, it is vital that consumers…

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PowerPair Program Approved by NC Utilities Commission

Apr 24, 2024

New residential solar and battery storage incentive program approved in January, takes effect in May.  On January 11, the NC Utilities Commission approved a landmark pilot program called ‘PowerPair’ designed to lower the costs of new solar and battery storage systems for residential customers in Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress utility territories across…

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Upcoming Events

NC Sustainable Energy Association Clean Energy Webinar for Candidates

Please join the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) for a webinar geared toward candidates interested in learning about cutting-edge clean energy policy issues that state leaders will likely encounter in the near future! In addition, this session will cover the basics of state energy policy including background on important energy laws and regulations and…

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NC Climate Week

Join EarthShare NC in their virtual program designed to help accelerate the use of climate solutions by individuals and businesses across NC!

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Net Zero Buildings Week 2024

Net Zero Buildings Week is a virtual event series that supports partnerships and collaboration across the built environment industry to collectively advance net zero buildings. Climate leaders from across the country are transforming the built environment to cut emissions and provide healthy, safe, resilient buildings for everyone. Join us September 16–20 to see the meaningful…

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MEW Pre-Conference Partner Workshop: Mobilizing North Carolina’s Clean Energy Workforce for the Future

Co-hosted by the NC Governor’s Office, NC Business Committee for Education, and the NC Department of Commerce. Come celebrate the historic economic development announcements, federal investments, and policies in North Carolina’s clean energy economy, learn about existing workforce programs and federal guidance, and build your talent pipeline by engaging with workforce development and business services…

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MEW Pre-Conference Partner Workshop: Where the Rubber Meets (some of) the Road: Equitable IRA Implementation

Co-hosted by the NC League of Conservation Voters and Duke Design Climate It’s been over two years since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, and many programs are beginning to roll out throughout the state. From rebates to tax credits to low interest loans, there are programs available for everyone. This workshop aims to…

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2024 Annual Member Meeting

Let’s Connect. Collaborate. and Celebrate our efforts toward a cleaner energy future for NC. We’re excited to invite you to our Annual Member Meeting! In addition to providing members with a recap of 2024 and an overview of NCSEA’s financials, members will also hear from an exciting keynote speaker highlighting the clean energy opportunities in…

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About NCSEA

North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) works to enable clean energy jobs, economic opportunities, and affordable energy options for North Carolinians.

Each and every day, we work toward a vision of a North Carolina where the benefits of clean energy, including economic development opportunities, more affordable consumer bills, job growth, market exports, local tax based expansion, and an improved quality of life, are bountiful for all North Carolinians. NCSEA works with its members and partners to transform our state and region's energy system through market innovation and policy advocacy primarily in ten clean energy technology sectors: alternative fuel vehicles (primarily electric vehicles), biogas, energy efficiency, energy storage, geothermal, hydropower/marine, smart grid, solar, and wind.

In 2023 NCSEA ...

%

sent 12 member newsletters
average open rate 45%

made 39 filings at the NCUC with 544 pages

shared +100 clean energy jobs

held 22 member calls

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Contact

4441 Six Forks Road  |  Suite 106-250
Raleigh, North Carolina 27609

919.832.7601

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