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Public hearing set on Duke Energy gas turbine in Richmond County
By Zachary Turner
April 14, 2026 at 10:11 AM EDT
State regulators will host a virtual public hearing Monday, April 20, on Duke Energy Progress’ request to build a new natural gas-burning turbine at its Richmond County power plant.
The Smith Energy Complex near Rockingham already houses two combined-cycle turbines and five smaller combustion turbines, known as peakers. Duke Energy is seeking approval to build a sixth peaker to help meet electricity demand during periods of highest use.
In its regulatory filings, Duke Energy said the additional peaker is needed to support near-term economic development, driven largely by incoming data centers.
The hearing is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. Information on how to attend is available at ncuc.gov.
The Smith Energy Complex near Rockingham already houses two combined-cycle turbines and five smaller combustion turbines, known as peakers. Duke Energy is seeking approval to build a sixth peaker to help meet electricity demand during periods of highest use.
In its regulatory filings, Duke Energy said the additional peaker is needed to support near-term economic development, driven largely by incoming data centers.
The hearing is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. Information on how to attend is available at ncuc.gov.