North Carolina

Solar

After Helene, rural North Carolina turns to solar and battery hubs

More than a year after the storm’s devastation, clean-energy microgrids are springing up in remote areas thanks to a program that could become a national model.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 20 January 2026
Hydropower

Why is Duke Energy retreating from a major pumped-hydro expansion?

North Carolina’s largest utility was poised to double the capacity of its Bad Creek facility. Now, it’s backing off, casting doubt on state emissions targets.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 15 January 2026
Solar

North Carolina training site pairs sheep grazing with solar

A state university just opened a unique agrivoltaics demo site where sheep farmers and solar developers will learn what it takes to share land.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 16 December 2025
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The state repealed the utility’s 2030 emissions target in July.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