Duke Energy(US:DUK) Prnewswireยท2025-10-01 12:00Core Viewpoint - Duke Energy has filed its 2025 Carolinas Resource Plan, which aims to meet customer growth needs while maintaining reliability and keeping costs low, with projected average customer bill impacts of 2.1% annually over the next decade, lower than inflation and previous plans [2][3][6]. Group 1: Economic Impact and Growth - The plan addresses rising electricity demand in the Carolinas, driven by economic growth, with over 25,000 jobs and $19 billion in investments announced in North Carolina in 2025, primarily for new manufacturing facilities [3][4]. - Customer energy needs are expected to grow at eight times the rate of the previous 15 years, more than double the growth forecasted in the 2023 plan [4]. Group 2: Policy Adaptation - The 2025 plan adapts to significant policy changes at both state and federal levels, emphasizing reliability and supporting advanced nuclear and battery storage, while providing flexibility for coal and natural gas generation [5][6]. Group 3: Energy Mix and Resource Actions - The recommended energy mix includes: - Nuclear: Evaluation of large light-water reactor technology and small modular reactors, targeting new nuclear generation by 2037 [7]. - Natural Gas: Maintenance of five combined-cycle units and an increase in combustion turbines to meet load growth, along with enhanced liquefied natural gas storage [7]. - Solar: Targeting 4,000 megawatts by 2034, maintaining procurement targets to maximize federal tax credits [7]. - Battery Storage: Expanded to 5,600 megawatts by 2034, an increase of 2,900 megawatts over previous projections [7]. Group 4: Efficiency and Resource Maximization - The company is focused on maximizing the efficiency of existing resources to meet near-term growth needs while minimizing costs to customers [8]. - Future filings will continue to adapt resource amounts and target dates based on technological advances and policy changes [8]. Group 5: Regulatory Process and Future Plans - The North Carolina Utilities Commission will hold hearings on the resource plan in 2026, with an order expected by December 31, 2026 [10]. - Duke Energy plans to file a resource plan update with the Public Service Commission of South Carolina later this year [10]. Group 6: Company Overview - Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress serve millions of customers across North Carolina and South Carolina, with a combined energy capacity of 34,600 megawatts [11][15]. - The company is committed to an energy transition focused on reliability and value, investing in electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation sources [15].