Duke Energy and state regulators are deciding how to address rising energy demand in the Carolinas — demand that’s being driven, largely by incoming data epicenters. A Charlotte nonprofit is educating folks on how to get involved and provide feedback on Duke Energy’s proposed Carbon Plan.
“This course is really designed for the average person, just trying to understand really complex technical information behind the Carbon Plan,” said Brittany Griffin, CleanAIRE NC’s advocacy manager.
The CleanAIRE Academy course covers the history of these Utility Commission proceedings, starting with HB 951, the law that instructed Duke Energy to file a biennial plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. It also includes lessons on how to effectively communicate experiences with air pollution, utility bills and energy.
“A big component is actually how to take action, how to begin with crafting an effective message,” said Rafi Vaca, the nonprofit’s education manager.
The whole course takes less than an hour. At the end, participants can practice drafting a public comment and receive feedback from Griffin on how best to make their voices heard.
State regulators are holding public hearings for Duke’s Carbon Plan starting next week:
- Feb. 4: Durham County Courthouse
- Mar. 4: New Hanover County Courthouse
- Mar. 16: Virtual
- Mar. 17: Buncombe County Courthouse
- Mar. 18: Mecklenburg County Courthouse
These conversations will determine how much energy we get from clean energy sources, like solar, and how much from fossil fuels.
Consumers can submit a statement on the North Carolina Utilities Commission website. Carbon Plan proceedings are all filed under docket No. E-100, Sub 207.
