Duke Energy on Monday filed its 2026 Carolinas Resource Plan with the regulators in South Carolina, including a recommended portfolio of supply-side additions that includes 18.5 GW of solar, 14 GW of gas generation and 13 GW of energy storage over the next 15 years.
The utility’s dual state service territory “continues to experience significant growth, with both South Carolina and North Carolina ranking among the fastest-growing states in the nation,” Duke told the Public Service Commission of South Carolina. The utility’s plan aims to serve both states.
Duke’s base planning forecast projects its winter peak to increase by more than 10 GW, representing cumulative growth of approximately 30%.
The recommended portfolio also calls for about 4.5 GW of new nuclear, which Duke said is an “important resource to support long-term reliability and system needs.” The utility also said it is working to extend the operational licenses of its existing nuclear fleet to operate up to 80 years.
“To date, Duke Energy has received subsequent renewed operating licenses for two of its six nuclear sites, both located in South Carolina, representing four of the fleet’s 11 units,” it told regulators.
Gas additions through 2041 will be split, with 8.2 GW of combined cycle generators and 5.8 GW of combustion turbines.
Gas is a “major near-term reliability resource,” the utility said in a statement, noting it has received approval for a 1.4 GW combined cycle facility in Anderson County, South Carolina, and has executed turbine supply agreements with GE Vernova.
“Solar procurement and construction remain active, including completed facilities, projects under construction, and RFPs for solar and solar paired with storage,” Duke said. “The company is scaling battery storage execution, with storage projects in service, equipment secured, interconnection activity underway, and an RFP for 400 MW of standalone storage in South Carolina.”
Duke also noted that its grid edge programs are a “core execution tool to reduce, shift, and shape demand through energy efficiency, demand-side management, load curtailment, customer programs, and storage demand response.” The plan filed this week maintains a minimum annual energy efficiency savings target of 1% in Duke’s load forecast and the utility said it accounts for its increasing demand response capabilities.
The South Carolina PSC is expected to hold a hearing on the resource plan in April and issue an order by June, Duke said.
