Ceres is disappointed by the North Carolina Utilities Commission’s recent decision to accept Duke Energy’s consolidated carbon and integrated resources plan, which will delay its achievement of a 70% reduction in climate pollution beyond the state’s 2030 goal.
“Although we are pleased to see Duke’s proposal include additional solar, wind, and storage investment to support the clean energy buildout in the coming years, it is disappointing that the North Carolina Utilities Commission approved a plan that will delay achieving the state’s overarching climate and energy goals,” said Mel Mackin, director of state policy, Ceres. “Leading businesses across North Carolina have supported the state’s plan to reduce power sector emissions by 70% by 2030, both to reduce their own exposure to climate risk and to experience the economic benefits of clean energy investment. This decision not only delays that goal, but it also sets a worrying precedent. While we will continue to push for greater ambition from Duke moving forward, including through increased investment in clean energy resources and transmission upgrades, this outcome is a reminder that achieving our climate, energy, and economic goals will require concerted and aligned effort from all levels of government and the private sector.”
Ceres has for years organized corporate advocacy for clean power policy in North Carolina, including in support of the carbon reduction goals of HB951, which passed the legislature with bipartisan support in 2021 requiring utilities to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 with interim target of 70% reduction by 2030. Leading businesses have also worked with Ceres to support policy that modernizes the electric grid to deliver affordable, reliable clean power to the state’s businesses and residents across the Southeast, including in North Carolina. Those efforts include a statement signed by 12 businesses in support of expanded transmission and grid modernization recommendations, submitted to the North Carolina Utilities Commission as it considered Duke’s carbon plan.
About Ceres
Ceres is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and sustainable world. United under a shared vision, our powerful networks of investors and companies are proving sustainability is the bottom line—changing markets and sectors from the inside out. For more information, visit ceres.org.