North Carolina

Clean energy

A new group to help US small towns lead the clean energy transition

Enfield Mayor Mondale Robinson announced the group’s launch in September, saying that small towns, often overlooked, will have more power if they work together.

By Elizabeth Ouzts .

8 October 2026

A man in dark pants and vest, maroon long-sleeve top, stands outside on dry grass under power lines near electric equipment — Mayor Mondale Robinson, of Enfield, North Carolina, at the town’s aging substation (Elizabeth Ouzts/Canary Media)

Solar

North Carolina food bank gets microgrid backup for future storms

Marshall’s Beacon of Hope was spared during Hurricane Helene. Thanks to a state grant, solar panels and batteries make it even better prepared to help its community.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 1 October 2026
Fossil fuels

Duke Energy wants to build a new gas plant. Regulators said not so fast.

The 255-MW plant in North Carolina was meant to help meet data center demand. Regulators took the rare step of rejecting the permit amid a growing national backlash.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 21 September 2026
Utilities

Duke Energy deals double whammy to its poorest North Carolina customers

A pilot program that applies a credit to low-income households’ monthly bills is poised to end at the same time rates rise for everyone

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 20 August 2026
Solar

In North Carolina, rooftop solar is alive and well despite headwinds

While the industry has suffered the loss of federal tax credits and other economic hits, leasing and batteries make the panels pencil out for many homeowners.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 10 August 2026
Solar

Post–Hurricane Helene, this community is getting creative with solar

An Asheville, North Carolina, group has embraced solar to secure backup power and lower bills. Its efforts go beyond the standard rooftop array.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 24 July 2026
Electrification

New Trump rules make it more costly to electrify North Carolina homes

The Department of Energy recently announced new guidance that prevents “fuel switching,” scrambling the state’s first-ever electrification program.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 9 July 2026
Data centers

Duke Energy proposes special rules for data centers in North Carolina

After insisting it wasn’t needed, Duke pitched a "large load tariff" for big energy users — a concession to critics before a hearing on its proposed rate hike.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 6 July 2026
Data centers

Data centers are key to fight over Duke electric rates in North Carolina

Duke Energy wants to raise household rates by 18%. Clean energy and consumer advocates say there's a much better way to prepare for data centers.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 17 June 2026
Fossil fuels

North Carolina bill would prop up coal until new nuclear is approved

The Republican-backed House passed the Ratepayer Protection Act, which could rein in some data center costs but extend the life of costly old coal plants.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 9 June 2026
Batteries

Why North Carolina’s electric co-ops are turning to grid batteries

From the suburbs to the barrier islands, the state’s local cooperatives are using aggregated battery systems to weather outages and protect consumers’ wallets.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 4 June 2026