The Role of Fuel Cost Volatility in Rising Electric Bills

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

(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

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

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)

“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  

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

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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Advancing Consumer Protection within North Carolina’s Solar Industry 

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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