Duke Energy says it expects to nearly triple its solar power generating capacity over the next 15 years in the Carolinas. At the same time, the company says in a new filing with state regulators it will continue to build gas-fired plants and close coal-fired plants.
Those are among the headlines in a new energy plan the company submitted this week to the North Carolina Utilities Commission.
Duke says it expects solar power generating capacity to grow from about 1,200 megawatts in 2019 to 3,400 megawatts in 2033, though it will still be only about 8 percent of Duke's overall generating capacity.
The company says it will meet growing energy needs in the region mainly by adding new natural-gas fired plants.
Duke said in the plan it expects to add 445,000 new customers by 2033, which will increase peak electricity demand by 2,650 megawatts. The plan outlines how Duke will meet those demands.
Meanwhile, electricity from coal will fall from about 29 percent of its total next year to 18 percent in 2033.
The new data came in Duke's annual Integrated Resource Plan. See the full 278-page plan at NCUC.net.
