Duke Energy clearing power lines in Southern Pines, Whispering Pines

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Opponents want North Carolina lawmakers to reject Duke Energy Corp.’s push to line up profitable infrastructure projects years into the future and bypass lengthy regulatory battles.

Energy Justice NC, NC WARN and other environmental advocates are organizing citizens on Tuesday who want to lobby legislators and voice opposition to Senate Bill 559.

The change would allow Duke Energy or Virginia-based Dominion Energy to set a key component of electricity rates for up to five years without the companies having to justify their reasons in multiple, trial-like hearings.

The measure surfaced after state utilities regulators last year wouldn’t approve a $13 billion, 10-year Duke Energy proposal on electricity grid updates with profit margins tacked on. The country’s largest electricity company also sees coal ash cleanup costing up to $10 billion.

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Photo courtesy of Duke Energy.

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