North Carolina

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
Offshore wind

Trump’s $1B offshore wind payout to TotalEnergies sparks legal concerns

Offshore wind and legal experts question whether Interior has the authority to reimburse the oil giant for canceled leases, especially if it taps taxpayer dollars.

By Maria Gallucci . 26 March 2026
Data centers

Duke Energy agrees to explore a cleaner way to power data centers

A settlement deal would commit the North Carolina utility to working with Google on a scheme that lets data centers pay to secure 24/7 clean energy.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 19 March 2026
Solar

A food bank cut costs with solar. A local Goodwill noticed.

After a North Carolina nonprofit put up rooftop solar, a nearby Goodwill headquarters did too, a move that will save energy and boost a job training program.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 10 March 2026
Electrification

North Carolinians band together to help their neighbors electrify

Inspired by initiatives that bulk-buy rooftop solar for homes, a new project will help residents navigate home electrification and connect with trusted contractors.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 6 March 2026
Utilities

I let Duke Energy control my thermostat. I don’t regret it.

Throughout this freezing-cold winter, customers like me pitched in to save North Carolina’s grid, and we made a little money doing it.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 19 February 2026