On June 1, Duke Energy Progress filed a request with the N.C. Utilities Commission to raise rates an average of 14.9 percent. Xpress examines why Duke says it needs more revenue and how the rate hike could affect local customers.
Tag: Lake Julian plant
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Full speed ahead: Smart meters coming to WNC
Duke Energy’s plan to bring smart meters to the mountains could put two key concerns — energy conservation and human health — into a head-on collision, critics say.
Heat pumps drive rapid growth in WNC’s peak electricity demand
Using data provided by Duke Energy, a local task force has shown that much of the growth in WNC’s peak electrical demand is driven by the conversion of existing oil- and propane-fired heating systems to electric heat pumps. Slowing the growth in peak demand is the mission of the task force, which hopes to delay or eliminate the need for one of three new power plants proposed for Duke Energy’s Lake Julian station.
New state law limits coal ash cleanup
With the close of the 2016 session of the North Carolina General Assembly, homeowners and environmental advocates are scrambling to make sense of new legislation on coal ash ponds. How will the new rules affect the cleanup of coal ash ponds at Duke Energy’s Lake Julian plant, as well as homeowners who believe their wells have been contaminated by the ponds?
WNC Air Quality Agency renews Duke Energy Title V permit
On Monday, July 11, the Western North Carolina Air Quality Agency renewed Duke Energy Progress’ Title V permit for its Lake Julian coal plant facility. This type of operating permit is regulated under the federal Clean Air Act and must be renewed every five years by most businesses whose facilities emit hazardous air pollutants, whether […]
State holds line at two natural gas units for Duke
Published by Carolina Public Press by Frank Taylor If Duke Energy-Progress is disappointed with the N.C. Utilities Commission’s decision Monday to approve only two of the three natural gas units the company had requested permission to build at its Lake Julian site, the company’s official response did a good job of hiding it. “We appreciate the […]
Duke Energy threatens to stick with coal at Asheville plant if commission rejects plans
After a Monday, Feb. 22 hearing disrupted several times by protests, the chair of the state Utilities Commission said he expects to meet a legislative deadline for a decision on Duke Energy-Progress’ conversion of its Asheville facility. Duke warned that it may not phase out its coal-fired units at the site if its petition is denied.
Not so fast: Tell Duke Energy to put the brakes on expansion plans
“In the current rapidly evolving energy environment, building a plant that’s bigger than the absolute minimum required, and doing it sooner than it’s really needed, is risky. Taking such a risk when better options are readily available is nothing short of foolhardy.”
Third gas plant opposed by NC Utilities Commission staff
Duke Energy’s request to replace its coal-fired power plant at Asheville’s Lake Julian with two natural gas units has been endorsed by North Carolina Utilities Commission staff. But part of the energy company’s proposal, to obtain permission now for a contingency plant that might be needed by 2024, was called unwarranted at this time.
Regulatory process for new Duke Energy plant speeds down fast track
A fast track approval process created specifically for Duke Energy’s proposal to replace coal-fired generators at its Lake Julian plant with natural gas-fired units speeds toward a Feb. 29 deadline. Environmental advocates and citizens are moving quickly to weigh in on Duke’s plans.
Reducing peak energy demand key to size of future Duke plant
Peak energy demand will determine the capacity of Duke Energy’s planned upgrades at the company’s Lake Julian power plant, according to speakers at a panel discussion on WNC’s future energy needs on Feb. 3. Speakers stressed the importance of partnerships between Duke Energy, local government and community partners to reduce demand and delay or eliminate a third new natural gas-fired generation unit planned for the Lake Julian site.
Duke Energy proposal pits profits vs. public interest
“What would most benefit residents and ratepayers is implementing programs that reduce consumption and eliminate the need to build more centralized power plants.”