Senior energy policy advocate shares concern over passage of SB 261

(March 13, 2025) – The Energy Security and Affordability Act, Senate Bill 261, is headed to the House for discussion after passing the Senate 31-12.

The bill would remove the state’s mandate for Duke Energy to reduce its carbon emissions by 70% by 2030, which was a goal set with bipartisan support in 2021, and potentially allow for the construction of more gas or nuclear power plants. Supporters of the bill claim that it will lower residents’ electric bills in the long run, but critics are concerned that residents will end up footing the bill for costly construction projects.

NC Justice Center advocates said the bill reminded them of the legislation that led to the scandal at South Carolina’s VC Summer plant.

“When South Carolina had a similar policy in place 10 years ago, ratepayers paid billions of dollars to fund the construction of a nuclear power plant that never produced a single unit of power,” said Claire Williamson, Senior Energy Policy Advocate.

Read the full article here.