By: Ty McFarland, Director of Communications for NCLCVF, city of Raleigh, NC & 2024 Fellow
July 2025
Why Should North Carolinians Have to Choose Between Affordable Energy and a Healthy Future?
We’ve been told a lie: that clean energy is too expensive. That if we want a healthier, more sustainable future, we’ll have to accept higher energy bills. But the truth is the exact opposite.
Clean energy is now one of the most affordable options on the table – while fossil fuels are increasingly expensive, dirty, and outdated. The problem isn’t the technology. It’s Duke Energy’s greed.
In North Carolina, We Have the Data – And Duke Energy Is Ignoring It
Duke Energy itself funded a study to determine the most cost-effective way to transition our state to clean energy. The study’s conclusion? North Carolina should triple its solar energy production to cut both emissions and costs.
But instead of following its own findings, Duke has doubled down on fossil fuels—fueling climate change and raising costs for customers.
Why Would Duke Choose a More Expensive Path?
Because under current law, the more Duke spends, the more profit it makes. That’s right: Duke is guaranteed a 10% return on its investments – regardless of whether the project is good for the planet or ratepayers.
So if Duke spends $100,000, they get $110,000 – paid by us. But if they spend $1 billion, they pocket $1.1 billion. This incentives large, costly projects – and punishes efficiency.
That’s why Duke is dragging its feet on clean energy, and building expensive, polluting power plants instead.
How Duke Protects Its Profit Pipeline
You might be wondering: why don’t we just change the laws? We’re trying. But Duke uses its massive profits to lobby lawmakers and mislead the public – making it harder to enact the reforms we need. That’s a big reason why North Carolinians are facing some of the highest rate hikes in the country.
What You Can Do
Demand that the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) stop letting Duke put profits over people. Sign our petition calling on the NCUC to protect ratepayers and support a fair, affordable transition to clean energy.
And if you’re able, consider donating to support our work. Even $5 a month helps us reach more people, fight misinformation, and advocate for laws that put North Carolinians – not polluters – first.
If you would like to support this work, we ask you to become a donor today! Even $5 can make a difference.