Speak or Write for Clean Energy in the Duke Power Plan

Duke will hold a single virtual public hearing on the Duke 15-year energy plan (called an Integrated Resource Plan or IRP) on March 16 at 7 pm. In the plan, Duke proposes to build up to 13 fracked gas plants and to continue burning coal until 2049. Duke also provides misleading and inaccurate costs for development of renewable power sources. Sierra Club is providing expert testimony on the plan. Please sign up and then speak at the hearing as an individual ratepayer in support of renewable energy. Speakers must register in advance by contacting the Public Staff via email at [email protected] or by calling 919-733-6110. In your email, provide the docket number for the NC Utilities Commission: E-100, sub 165. Testimony will be limited to five minutes per person. Only those registered by 5 pm on Thursday, March 11, will be allowed to testify. We hope that a large demand for speaking slots will lead to additional hearings. DO NOT identify as a member of Sierra Club, which has standing in this case separately. For written comments only (not to speak), email the Utilities Commission at [email protected]. Put Docket #E-100, sub 165 in the subject line. Talking points Duke must maximize all energy efficiency options prior to building new generation to keep costs low for ratepayers and avoid unnecessary investments in higher-cost fossil fuel technologies. Duke’s IRP should accelerate retirement of all coal plants, close half of its coal fleet by 2025, achieve coal-free energy by 2030 and support transition plans for coal plant communities. Duke’s reliance on gas combustion entails direct release of carbon dioxide and the release of super-potent methane during fracking, which will prevent Duke and North Carolina from meeting their stated climate goals. Solar is not only the cleanest but also the most cost-effective energy supply choice. A recent study showed that North Carolina could boost renewable energy to 66% by 2035 while decreasing costs to ratepayers. For further background and talking points go to WENOCA.ORG.