Duke Energy 15-year plan could impact South Carolina wallets, environment - WYFF4 Greenville

Duke Energy 15-year plan impacts your wallet and the environment

Duke Energy 15-year plan could impact South Carolina wallets, environment

Duke Energy's new 15-year plan is looking toward a greener and more reliable future, and it could end up affecting your electric bill.

The Carolinas are changing, and so is the way we keep the lights on. Duke Energy spokesperson Ryan Mosier said electricity use in North and South Carolina is expected to surge as more people, businesses, and electric vehicles move to the region.

"Folks who have been doing this type of planning for 30 years have never seen anything quite like this," Mosier said.

Mosier said their new 15-year plan has to keep that growth in mind while following new state laws requiring the state's utilities commission to take "reasonable steps" to lower carbon emissions by 70 percent of 2005's emission levels.

The plan focuses on renewable energy as well as nuclear and hydro-powered plants, like Bad Creek Hydro Plant in Oconee County. Mosier says they hope to expand that plant, providing more jobs.

Mosier continued, "This facility has been providing carbon-free, emission-free generation to customers here in the Carolinas since 1991."

Mosier said Duke Energy plans to be coal-free by 2035 and carbon-neutral by 2050. But Mosier said their number one goal is reliability.

"We have to keep the lights on 24-7. So, everything we do keeps that on the radar and in focus," he said.

If this plan passes as is, Mosier said it would mean about a $35-a-month increase for the average customer. He said that's the lowest possible increase while still meeting all these goals.

The plan will have to be approved separately in North Carolina and South Carolina. That could happen as early as the spring of 2024.