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A New Era of Clean Energy in the Carolinas

Duke Energy is stepping into the future with its newly proposed Clean Energy Connection (CEC) program, intended to support customers in North Carolina and South Carolina in accessing the benefits of solar energy without the heavy burden of installation and maintenance costs associated with rooftop solar panels. This innovative approach not only broadens energy accessibility but also rings in a new era of renewable energy consumption for residential, small- and medium-sized business customers, and large commercial enterprises.

In early January 2025, Duke Energy submitted proposals to both the North Carolina Utilities Commission and the Public Service Commission of South Carolina, launching a move designed to make solar energy more attainable for all. Customers opting into the program will enjoy monthly bill credits based on the solar energy generated from new utility-owned solar facilities. The CEC program allows participating Duke Energy customers to subscribe to these solar units while incurring a straightforward monthly subscription fee that will seamlessly integrate into their regular electric bills.

Program Mechanism and Benefits

The inner workings of the Clean Energy Connection program are grounded in a simple premise: customers subscribe to a specified share of the electricity produced by Duke Energy's solar facilities, measured in 1-kilowatt (kW) increments. Each month, subscribers receive a subscription credit reflecting their share of solar generation, which will progressively increase annually after three continuous years of participation. This plan not only offers customers a pathway to renewable energy but also ensures they reap the environmental benefits associated with sustainable energy consumption, aiding in their personal sustainability missions.

What's noteworthy about this initiative is that it does not impose any additional costs on non-participating customers. The CEC program aligns with Duke Energy's commitment to promoting clean energy and sustainability, catering to the increasing demand for eco-friendly sources among businesses and consumers alike.

Targeting Every Customer Segment

The CEC program is structured to accommodate a wide range of customers, including those who may face financial limitations. Individuals and families whose household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines can engage in the CEC program. These participants will enjoy a fixed subscription fee, guaranteed to be lower than the set bill credit, ensuring they gain a net financial benefit from their engagement in the program. Financial provisions supporting this initiative will come from contributions by other CEC participants, cementing a model of shared responsibility within the community.

Duke Energy's vice president of products and services, Meghan Dewey, articulated that the need for customization in sustainable energy solutions is paramount, particularly in the dynamic landscape of corporate sustainability efforts. "Employers and economic development prospects look to Duke Energy to help them reach their sustainability goals in ways that fit their individual needs," Dewey stated, reflecting the utility's commitment to enhancing energy accessibility while promoting green initiatives.

Looking Forward

Should the CEC program receive the necessary approval, it is anticipated to commence in 2027 when the new solar facilities come online. Customers with a minimum of 12 months of billing history will have the opportunity to align their subscriptions directly with their typical energy consumption. Those without established billing history can enroll at a baseline subscription of 1 kW per month, with options to adjust as they continue usage.

For customers and businesses in the Carolinas eager to explore the Clean Energy Connection program further, detailed information is available on Duke Energy's official website.

As Tthe push for clean energy gains momentum, Duke Energy’s Clean Energy Connection represents a strategic step forward, embodying an innovative approach to energy consumption that caters to the needs of both consumers and the environment. Duke Energy is committed to maintaining reliability and affordability while striving towards ambitious clean energy goals, encouraging its customers to engage in more sustainable practices.

Conclusion

Duke Energy's latest proposal is indicative of the growing trend towards more renewable energy options. The Clean Energy Connection program endeavors to make solar power a feasible choice for a wider audience, and if implemented successfully, could very well set a precedent for how utility companies can facilitate cleaner energy consumption statewide. As Duke Energy leads by example, communities in North and South Carolina can embrace a greener future while enjoying the benefits of renewable energy at a fraction of the cost, ensuring that sustainability is truly within reach for everyone.