Duke Energy Doubles Down on Gas with 1,360MW South Carolina Gas Plant

Columbia, SC – Recently, Duke Energy filed an update to its Integrated Resource Plan (Carbon Plan) with both the North Carolina Utility Commission (NCUC) and the South Carolina Public Service Commission (SCPSC) - a filing that shows the build-out of even more dirty gas to meet projected economic growth across the region. Their plan includes a proposal to build a new massive 1,360MW combined cycle methane gas plant in South Carolina – which would undermine their promise of a clean energy transition and deliver additional risks and costs to South Carolinians. 

Duke wields immense control over how and when South Carolinians get power and how much residents pay for it. As communities experience growth and transition across the Carolinas, Duke has the potential to be at the forefront of leading the clean energy transition. Instead, the utility is doubling down on gas buildouts, a profit-focused planning approach that sets a low bar.

“Once again, Duke Energy wants to sink massive amounts of money into dirty methane gas,” said Mikaela Curry, Sierra Club Field Manager. “Duke continues to create artificial barriers to renewable energy, and this fossil-focused approach leaves customers stuck with skyrocketing energy bills while our communities suffer from polluted air and water. Duke’s profit focus results in a dangerous lose-lose situation for both people and the climate.

"It will now be up to regulators to protect South Carolinians from these proposed fossil gas buildouts, which may give shareholders a large check to cash, but leave consumers and communities to bear the costs.”