Washington D.C. — A controversial energy bill is now law in North Carolina after state lawmakers voted this week to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto.
The Power Bill Reduction Act eliminates the state’s 70% emissions-reduction target and grants Duke Energy the ability to charge customers upfront for new natural gas and nuclear power plants. It also allows changes to how customers are billed during peak energy usage hours.
Stein vetoed the bill earlier this month, citing concerns about rising costs and environmental impacts. Republican leaders in the General Assembly secured support from a few Democratic lawmakers to overturn the veto, enabling the bill to move forward.
Proponents of the law, including House Republicans, Duke Energy, and the North Carolina Chamber, say it will provide more reliable energy and help avoid future price spikes.
Garret Poorman, lead communications manager for Duke Energy, said in a statement, “We appreciate bipartisan efforts to keep costs as low as possible for customers and enable the always-on energy resources like carbon-free nuclear power that our communities need.”
Jeff Merrifield, a former member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, told The News & Observer that the legislation has the potential to drive investment in modern infrastructure.
He said, “Senate Bill 266 would allow utilities to invest in nuclear energy in a way that limits customer costs and prevents sudden rate increases when new facilities are brought online.”
Environmental advocates and energy policy experts argue the bill will lead to higher electricity bills and further reliance on fossil fuels.
Matt Abele, executive director of the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association, said the legislation will result in “significant rate increases for customers all across the state of North Carolina.”
Jennifer McLucas, director of the Asheville-based nonprofit Green Built Alliance, said the burden of new construction and cleanup costs is being shifted to residential ratepayers.
“Duke Energy has had some issues that they’ve had to clean up, and that costs money,” McLucas said. “Why are those costs being put onto the shoulders of consumers who are already paying ridiculously high utility rates as it is?”
McLucas also noted that many households in western North Carolina are seeing double-digit rate increases, while Duke Energy’s executive team receives tens of millions of dollars in bonuses.
The law is expected to reshape North Carolina’s utility system for years to come. Supporters argue it lays the foundation for stable, long-term investment in nuclear and natural gas infrastructure. Critics warn it prioritizes corporate profit over affordability and climate action.
As implementation begins, state officials and energy providers will determine how the law’s changes affect customers, infrastructure planning, and North Carolina’s broader climate goals.
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