Duke Energy moving on solar plant
The Charlotte-based company filed an application with the N.C Utilities Commission for the two-year plan, which the commission would have to approve.
The cost would add about 25 cents to the average monthly N.C. power bill, Duke said. The system would generate more than 16 megawatts, which would provide electricity for the power grid.
In contrast, Duke's coal-fired power unit under construction at its Cliffside facility in the Blue Ridge foothills would produce 800 megawatts. The utility is embracing some renewable energy projects as it prepares for a new state requirement for major utilities to produce 12.5 percent of their power by 2021 from renewable sources, such as the sun and wind.
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TORONTO - The recent alerts in Alberta's electricity grid during extreme cold have highlighted a broader North American issue, where power systems are more susceptible to being overwhelmed by severe weather.
Electricity Canada's chief executive emphasized that no part of the grid is safe from the escalating intensity and frequency of weather extremes linked to climate change.
“In recent years, during these extreme weather events, we’ve observed record highs in electricity demand,” he stated.
“It’s a nationwide phenomenon. For instance, last summer in Ontario and last winter in Quebec, we experienced unprecedented demand levels. This pattern of extremes is becoming more pronounced across the…
