Duke Energy confirms capacity for new data center in North Carolina

Concerns over power supply and infrastructure took center stage at the Mooresville Board of Commissioners meeting on June 11, 2025, as representatives from a major data center developer addressed community anxieties regarding energy demands. The developer emphasized their ongoing collaboration with Duke Energy, which has confirmed the capacity to support their site without impacting local residents' power supply.

The developer highlighted a timeline of engagement with Duke Energy, dating back to 2023, and outlined key milestones, including a binding power agreement set for April 2025. This agreement aims to prevent costs from being shifted to local ratepayers, a critical point in discussions about growth and energy management.

A significant focus was placed on Duke Energy's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which serves as a roadmap for maintaining a reliable power system over the next 10 to 15 years. The developer noted their unique participation in this plan, which is uncommon among data center developers, ensuring that both Duke Energy and the utility commission are informed about the project's energy needs.

Addressing community fears, the developer assured residents that their power supply would remain stable and reliable, stating, "Your site will not be impacted by this power." They reiterated that thorough studies would prevent any negative effects on the grid, emphasizing that the project would not proceed if it posed risks to local power reliability.

As discussions continue, the developer's commitment to transparency and collaboration with utility providers aims to alleviate concerns and ensure that the growing energy demands of new developments do not burden existing residents.