Asheville Reporter

Duke Energy's Carbon Plan Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) serves as a strategic document outlining methods to provide reliable electricity at the lowest cost over a 10 to 20-year period. When presented to the North Carolina Utility Commission (NCUC), stakeholders can intervene or legally enter the discussion.

In 2024, the City of Asheville and Buncombe County intervened by commenting on data access issues, aligning with their Municipal Climate Action Plan (MCAP) Activity #15. This initiative aims to ensure participation in critical energy discussions affecting the state and region. It marks the third time Asheville has engaged in an NCUC docket concerning carbon and renewable energy.

The CPIRP is crucial for Asheville's carbon reduction and renewable energy goals since most of its electricity comes from Duke Energy resources. The amount of renewable energy produced by Duke directly influences the city's renewable usage.

On November 1, 2024, after interventions, expert testimony, and negotiations, the NCUC issued its latest CPIRP order. The order supported Duke Energy's revised projections but altered a previous timeline for achieving a 70% emissions reduction by 2030 to "at the earliest date possible," without setting specific deadlines.

The plan includes solar and wind expansions that won't be operational until after 2031, while Asheville targets powering municipal operations with 100% renewable energy by 2030. Coal plants are scheduled for retirement in 2036, and there is significant investment in natural gas facilities, posing challenges due to associated carbon emissions. Achieving these goals will likely depend on using renewable energy credits (RECs).

Asheville remains committed to engaging in policy discussions at state and utility levels to meet its municipal and community-wide objectives under the MCAP framework.