Energy

SB 261, the Energy Security and Affordability Act, removes a mandated interim timeline for carbon reduction by North Carolina's major electric utilities (those serving 150,000+ customers) and introduces an alternative cost recovery method for ongoing construction of base load power plants. The bill requires these utilities to achieve a 70% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 (from 2005 levels) and carbon neutrality by 2050, with the Utilities Commission developing a Carbon Plan by 2026 for achieving these goals. It specifies that new solar energy must come from 45% third-party power purchase agreements for small solar facilities (80 MW or less) and 55% utility-owned or purchased sources, including for solar paired with storage. This bill directly affects North Carolina's largest electric utilities and the Utilities Commission, altering their regulatory framework for emissions and infrastructure costs.

Senate Bill 513 modifies requirements for proposed wind energy facilities in North Carolina. The bill establishes enhanced public notice rules, requiring developers to directly notify property owners within 20 miles of a proposed facility and expanding public hearing notices to include adjacent counties. It also mandates that wind energy facilities install light-mitigating technology systems. Permit applicants must seek Federal Aviation Administration approval for these systems, and the state's Department cannot issue a final permit until the FAA's decision on the technology is received. These changes directly affect wind energy developers, adjacent property owners, and the state department responsible for permit approvals.

Senate Bill 730 proposes to expand North Carolina's Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (CEPS). The bill aims to include existing nuclear and large hydroelectric power facilities within the definition of what counts as clean energy. Specifically, it amends the definition of "New clean energy facility" to include nuclear energy facilities (including uprates) and fusion energy facilities placed into service on or after January 1, 2007. This change would allow electric power suppliers to use these sources to meet their state-mandated clean energy targets.