WHY CLEAN ENERGY?
Everyone benefits along the path to a resilient, reliable, and affordable clean energy future. From economic development and job security to cleaner air and improved health, these benefits may come in different packages but together they mean good news for North Carolina.
Do you appreciate clean energy for its carbon reduction capabilities? Perhaps you love that it cuts electricity costs, or that it is a job creator for your community? There are so many ways clean energy enhances the lives of North Carolinians.
Below are six of our favorites; we invite you to dig in, read more, and find your “why”.
SIX WAYS NC IS BETTER OFF WITH CLEAN ENERGY
It Lowers Bills
How: Adopting clean energy reduces utilities’ need to build and operate expensive new power plants.
Proof: Clean energy policies, like the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS), are saving customers money. A 2019 study by RTI International and ScottMadden found that North Carolina’s REPS policy saved customers at least $14.8 BILLION between 2007-2018. Additionally, clean energy investments were slightly more than 12 times larger than the state incentives for them.
Follow the latest on how clean energy lowers bills
It Grows the Local Economy
How:Clean energy attracts and supports investments in local communities.
Proof: Clean energy activities accounted for over $28.2 BILLION in economic impact in North Carolina from clean energy* and over 112,710 jobs in 2020, according to the forthcoming Clean Jobs North Carolina Report.
*The total economic impact in North Carolina from clean energy (renewable energy and energy efficiency) project development from 2007 to 2018 was $28.2 billion (2019 RTI Report).
Follow the latest on how clean energy grows the local economy
It Keeps us Safe and Secure
How: Clean energy increases energy independence through homegrown resources.
Proof: Duke Energy, the U.S. Department of the Navy, and the U.S. Marine Corps built a 13MW solar facility at Camp Lejeune in Onslow County. This facility is capable of powering a micro-grid, a strong source of backup power for the military base.
Follow the latest on how clean energy keeps us safe and secure
It Promotes Health and Wellness
How: Clean energy means less exposure to harmful emissions and less consumption of natural resources.
Proof: Clean energy resources, like solar and wind, have no harmful impacts on the air and water we consume. By contrast, traditional resources like coal and natural gas pass harmful by-products back into our environment.
Follow the latest on how clean energy promotes health and wellness
It's a Fair and Just Solution
How: Clean energy reduces the negative economic, environmental, and cultural impacts of fossil-fuel dependence to underserved communities.
Proof: Studies show most traditional, fossil fuel-powered plants are located in low-income areas, resulting in reduced property values and increased health risks. Alternately, the presence of clean energy means a healthier environment and job opportunities for residents.
The total economic impact in North Carolina from clean energy (renewable energy and energy efficiency) project development from 2007 to 2018 was $28.2 billion (2019 RTI Report).
Follow the latest on how clean energy is a fair and just solution
It Makes us Good Stewards of the Land
How: Clean energy provides North Carolina with sustainable, clean, efficient power that does not drain natural resources.
Proof: When tended to and cared for, our land is better positioned to serve future generations well. Learn More
Follow the latest on how clean energy makes us good stewards of the land
