North Carolina

Virtual power plants

Duke Energy wants to spend on battery incentives to save on power plants

The utility already rewards North Carolina homes that let it tap their batteries. It now proposes doing the same for businesses, local governments, and nonprofits.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 8 December 2025
Solar

One North Carolina company’s plan for keeping rooftop solar going

Home solar tax credits expire this year, but through 2027 installers can pass on the savings from a separate incentive to customers who are willing to lease panels.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 6 November 2025
Utilities

North Carolina mulls how to manage power demand from data centers

Load flexibility was a big topic at a recent state gathering of policymakers, industry, and advocates. But questions remain about how to best put it into practice.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 23 October 2025
Utilities

Duke Energy backs off renewables after North Carolina cuts climate goal

The state repealed the utility’s 2030 emissions target in July. Duke’s response? A plan to slash solar and wind, double down on gas — and burn more coal.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 2 October 2025
Energy markets

Why states are threatening to leave PJM — and why they probably won’t

The grid operator’s high power prices and long interconnection queue have Democratic and Republican governors eyeing an exit, but analysts warn it could backfire.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 26 September 2025
Energy efficiency

North Carolina funds repairs so Helene-hit homes can get energy upgrades

Hurricane Helene struck a year ago, leaving many houses too damaged to access free retrofits that cut families’ energy bills. The state aims to help.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 25 September 2025
Utilities

As data centers go up, North Carolina weighs how to handle energy demand

Duke wants to build gas plants, but clean energy advocates argue that solar, battery storage, and demand response could help alleviate growing strain on the grid.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 16 September 2025
Energy efficiency

North Carolina families see lower bills with new Duke Energy program

The utility refers low-income customers to groups like Energy Savers Network, which provides free efficiency retrofits for long-term savings.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 9 September 2025
Emissions reduction

North Carolina ditched its 2030 climate goal. Now what?

Rising power demand and the low cost of renewables may give wind and solar a fighting chance even though Duke Energy no longer has to cut emissions in the near term.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 26 August 2025
Utilities

North Carolina approves Duke Energy plan to let customers access their data

The new program, long in the making, has support from clean energy groups, but critics worry about fees and unattainable cybersecurity standards.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 1 August 2025