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Asheville committee backs formal intervention in Duke Energy carbon plan, asks to review draft comments before filing
Summary
PEDE authorized staff to work with Buncombe County to intervene in Duke Energy’s 2026 Carbon Plan/Integrated Resource Plan and asked that the draft comment letter be shared with City Council before formal submission; committee members cited concerns about reduced solar buildout, added gas, and delayed coal retirements in the proposed plan.
The PEDE committee on Jan. 20 recommended that City Council authorize staff to work with Buncombe County to formally intervene in Duke Energy’s 2026 Carbon Plan/Integrated Resource Plan (CPIRP) docket at the North Carolina Utilities Commission and requested that staff return a draft comment letter to City Council for review prior to formal filing.
Why intervene: Staff explained that the CPIRP sets Duke Energy’s forecasted generation mix for the next 10–20 years and that a formal intervention gives the city standing so its comments are considered by the commission. Staff said the proposed 2026 CPIRP reduces near-term solar buildout, adds near-term natural gas (combustion turbines/combined cycle), delays some coal retirements, and would not reduce greenhouse-gas emissions until the late 2030s, making it more difficult for the city to meet municipal and community renewable-energy goals.
Recommendation and council concerns: Staff asked for preliminary approval to intervene jointly with Buncombe County and to continue refining joint comments with technical assistance from partner organizations. Several council members supported intervening but asked that the final draft comment be returned to full City Council for review before submission. Council members raised concerns that the plan advances near-term gas, delays coal retirement, reduces solar planning, and that the community needs accountability on rate impacts and program transparency.
Public comment: Rachel Cohen of Sunrise Movement WNC called during public comment to thank the committee for agenda items and to urge the city to be explicit and assertive in opposing elements of the CPIRP (citing Senate Bill 266’s removal of the interim 2030 target and concerns about higher emissions and Duke’s profits/merger activity).
Vote and next steps: A motion recommending staff move forward with the county as a partner and return the draft comment to council passed on roll call; staff will finalize joint comments and aim to file before the March 30 deadline, with public hearing opportunities March 16 (virtual) and March 17 (in person at the Buncombe County Courthouse).
