North Carolina

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

Two people installing panels on a roof — Workers install solar panels at Poder Emma’s community hub in Asheville, North Carolina. (Sugar Hollow Solar)

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
Utilities

NextEra Energy wants to buy its way into Data Center Alley

The utility’s proposed merger with Dominion Energy would connect it with data center-rich Virginia. Consumer and clean energy advocates are wary.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 22 May 2026
Solar

North Carolina groups fight regulator’s order to cancel solar for 2026

The state’s top utility regulator issued a surprise directive to halt Duke Energy’s solar investments for the year. Industry advocates are petitioning to revoke it.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 14 May 2026
Utilities

Duke Energy’s proactive grid upgrades under fire from electric co-ops

In North Carolina, the utility has a unique new approach to improve its grid and add solar, but co-ops are complaining to FERC about the cost.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 24 April 2026
Geothermal

Tiny North Carolina town takes a big step toward geothermal energy

Seed funding will help the rural town of Enfield in its quest to heat and cool homes without fossil fuels while drastically lowering residents’ energy costs.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 20 April 2026
Utilities

What if Duke Energy shared the burden of fuel costs with its customers?

If the utility had to pay a fraction of rising fuel prices, it might rethink its gas buildout and save North Carolinians tens of millions of dollars, a study finds.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 1 April 2026