Duke Energy Fails to Invest in Renewable Energy, Leading to Higher Utility Bills and Pollution

Strategic Insights -

Utility bills for North Carolinians have been drastically increased due to Duke Energy's failure to invest in renewable energy, according to an annual report by the Sierra Club. The report, titled "The Dirty Truth About Utility Climate Pledges," grades 75 utilities across the country on their plans to retire coal plants, not build new gas plants, and transition to clean energy by 2035. Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress earned a score of 12% (F), while Duke Energy as a whole earned 11% (F) for its operations in Indiana and Florida, far below the national average of 15 out of 100 possible points.

Duke Energy's lackluster investment in renewable energy, such as wind and solar, has resulted in higher utility bills for North Carolinians. In fact, the report suggests that free fuel from wind and sun would have saved utility customers up to $23 billion over 20 years under a stronger climate law. Furthermore, the increasing price of building new gas plants and concerns about gas-price volatility are making it even more difficult for the company to justify its current path.

Key Takeaways:

  • Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress earned 12% (F) and 11% (F) scores, respectively, for failing to invest in renewable energy.
  • The company's lack of investment in renewable energy has led to higher utility bills for North Carolinians, with estimates suggesting that free fuel from wind and sun would have saved customers up to $23 billion over 20 years.
  • The increasing price of building new gas plants and concerns about gas-price volatility are making it difficult for Duke Energy to justify its current path.
  • The national average for utilities was 15 out of 100 possible points, with Duke Energy far below this average.
  • Statement from Olive Burress, Beyond Coal Campaign Organizer in North Carolina, highlighting the injustices of Duke's failure to invest in renewable energy and the transfer of wealth from average people to the richest companies.
  • The Sierra Club's report emphasizes the importance of investing in renewable energy to protect the health of communities and the environment.

Statistics:

  • 12% score for Duke Energy Carolinas and 11% score for Duke Energy Progress out of 100 possible points.
  • $23 billion estimated savings for North Carolinian utility customers over 20 years through a stronger climate law.
  • 75 utilities graded in the report, with Duke Energy scoring below the national average.
  • 15 out of 100 possible points average score for utilities nationwide.

Sources:

  • The Dirty Truth About Utility Climate Pledges, Sierra Club, September 2025
  • Statement from Olive Burress, Sierra Club's Beyond Coal Campaign Organizer in North Carolina
  • Sierra Club website, about the organization and its mission.