Data Center Signal

Duke Energy

Data Center Signal is tracking 51 clips about Duke Energy data center developments across 4 states, including NC, FL, SC, OH.

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4States

States

Topics

electricity100%
government84%
environmental57%
opposition51%
zoning35%
moratorium29%
water27%
legal12%
announcement12%
Consumer advocates push NC state regulators to create separate rates for data centers
News ClipWFAE·NC

Consumer advocates push NC state regulators to create separate rates for data centers

Consumer advocates and North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson are urging state regulators to create separate, mandatory electricity rates for data centers and other large-load customers. This initiative aims to protect residential ratepayers from rising utility bills and the strain these energy-intensive businesses place on the power grid. The proposal is part of Duke Energy Carolinas' ongoing rate case, with a decision expected before January 1, 2027.

electricitygovernmentlegal
6/8/2026
Duke Energy wants an 18% rate hike for NC customers amid concerns
News ClipThe Asheville Citizen Times·Durham, Durham County, NC

Duke Energy wants an 18% rate hike for NC customers amid concerns

Duke Energy has proposed an 18% electricity rate hike over two years in North Carolina, citing population and business growth, including data centers, as drivers for grid improvements. The proposal faces strong opposition from thousands of residents and consumer advocates concerned about affordability. In response, the North Carolina House passed a bill aimed at preventing residential customers from subsidizing electricity costs for large data centers.

electricitygovernmentopposition
6/8/2026
NC bill pushes to regulate data centers
News Clip1:55WCNC·Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, NC

NC bill pushes to regulate data centers

North Carolina lawmakers are fast-tracking a bill, Senate Bill 730, to regulate data centers statewide, addressing concerns like water usage, energy costs, and noise impacts. Concurrently, the Charlotte City Council is set to vote on a 150-day data center moratorium to establish local regulations. The state bill also includes a controversial provision to fast-track Duke Energy's nuclear power plants.

governmentmoratoriumwaterelectricityenvironmentalopposition
6/6/2026
Environmental and clean energy advocates largely oppose new data center and coal plant bill
News ClipWFAE 90.7·NC

Environmental and clean energy advocates largely oppose new data center and coal plant bill

North Carolina House Republicans, with some Democratic support, advanced a bill to set guardrails on data center development, including a ban on water-intensive cooling, and restrict Duke Energy's ability to retire coal and gas plants. Environmental and clean energy advocates largely oppose the bill, arguing it limits renewable energy, increases costs for ratepayers, and interferes with the Utility Commission. The bill now returns to the Senate for another vote.

governmentelectricityenvironmental
6/5/2026
NC data center bill advances as Charlotte considers temporary moratorium
News ClipWCNC·Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, NC

NC data center bill advances as Charlotte considers temporary moratorium

North Carolina lawmakers are advancing Senate Bill 730, which would impose new requirements on data centers regarding noise pollution and water usage, and fast-track nuclear power plants. Concurrently, the Charlotte City Council is set to vote on a 150-day moratorium on new data centers to allow time for developing local regulations.

moratoriumgovernmentenvironmentalelectricity
6/5/2026
North Carolina House Alters Zoning Reform Bill, Passes New Data Center Regulations
News ClipRaleigh News & Observer·NC

North Carolina House Alters Zoning Reform Bill, Passes New Data Center Regulations

The North Carolina House unexpectedly gutted a bipartisan "down-zoning" reform bill, which aimed to restore local governments' power to regulate property uses and simplify data center regulations, replacing it with a "Wake Surfing Safely" bill. Concurrently, the House passed the "Ratepayer Protection Act," enacting extensive new data center regulations including bans on evaporative cooling and local incentives, while also addressing long-term power generation. Although the original zoning reform bill was altered, lawmakers indicated the issue is still being pursued through other legislative avenues.

zoninggovernmentelectricity
6/5/2026
In Durham, Protesting Rising Duke Energy Rates Through Drag
News ClipINDY Week·Durham County, NC

In Durham, Protesting Rising Duke Energy Rates Through Drag

Protesters in Durham, NC, demonstrated against Duke Energy's proposed rate increases, linking them to the high energy consumption of data centers. A public hearing by the North Carolina Utilities Commission followed, where residents voiced concerns about rising electricity bills. The city of Durham and town of Apex have already enacted moratoriums on large-scale data center development.

electricityoppositionmoratorium
6/5/2026
Proposed data center in Walnut Cove set back to public hearing stage
News Clip3:29FOX8 WGHP·Walnut Cove, Stokes County, NC

Proposed data center in Walnut Cove set back to public hearing stage

A proposed data center in Walnut Cove, Stokes County, North Carolina, has been sent back to the public hearing stage due to procedural setbacks. Local residents are expressing heightened concerns about the project's massive scale, its potential 2000-megawatt electricity consumption, and noise generation. The developer, Nations Company, is revising its proposal to incorporate stricter standards and address community impacts.

zoningoppositionenvironmentalelectricitygovernment
6/4/2026
'No rate hikes.' Protestors rally against proposed Duke Energy rate increases
News ClipWUNC News·Durham County, NC

'No rate hikes.' Protestors rally against proposed Duke Energy rate increases

Protestors in Durham, North Carolina, rallied against Duke Energy's proposed 18% residential rate increase, linking the hikes to the energy demands of new data centers being built by Amazon and Microsoft. The North Carolina Utilities Commission held a public hearing to gather comments on the proposed increases, which the state's Attorney General has also opposed.

electricityoppositiongovernment
AmazonMicrosoft
6/4/2026
NC House passes data center regulation, pro-nuclear power bill amid concerns it may prolong coal use
News ClipWUNC News·NC

NC House passes data center regulation, pro-nuclear power bill amid concerns it may prolong coal use

The North Carolina House passed Senate Bill 730, which introduces new regulations for large data centers, including a ban on local incentives and requirements for cooling systems. The bill also contains provisions that prevent Duke Energy from retiring coal-fired power plants until a new nuclear plant receives permission for construction. Democrats largely supported data center regulations but opposed the energy policy, citing concerns about increased electricity costs for ratepayers.

zoningenvironmentalgovernmentelectricity
6/4/2026
New Bill Puts the Brakes on Data Centers, but Incentivizes Fossil Fuels
News ClipThe Assembly NC·NC

New Bill Puts the Brakes on Data Centers, but Incentivizes Fossil Fuels

North Carolina's proposed Senate Bill 730, known as the Ratepayer Protection Act, seeks to regulate data centers by prohibiting eminent domain use and local economic incentives while requiring site assessments. Simultaneously, the bill aims to fast-track fossil fuel permits and delay coal plant retirements, raising concerns among environmental advocates and some lawmakers regarding its dual objectives and potential impact on climate goals and energy costs.

zoningoppositionenvironmentalgovernmentelectricity
GoogleAmazonMetaMicrosoft
6/3/2026
Q&A: Duke Energy CEO on juggling data center demand and affordability
News ClipE&E News by POLITICO·NC

Q&A: Duke Energy CEO on juggling data center demand and affordability

Duke Energy CEO Harry Sideris discussed the unprecedented surge in electricity demand, largely driven by data centers, across its six-state service territory. The utility plans $103 billion in investments over five years to meet this demand while facing public pressure over rising bills, particularly in North Carolina where Gov. Josh Stein has criticized rate increases. Sideris defended the utility's rates and reiterated its commitment to net-zero by 2050.

electricitygovernment
6/3/2026
A New N.C. Ratepayer Bill Puts the Brakes on Data Centers, but Incentivizes Fossil Fuels
News ClipInside Climate News·Raleigh, Wake County, NC

A New N.C. Ratepayer Bill Puts the Brakes on Data Centers, but Incentivizes Fossil Fuels

North Carolina's proposed Ratepayer Protection Act (SB 730) seeks to curb data center development by restricting eminent domain, economic incentives, and ratepayer cost transfers. Simultaneously, the bill aims to fast-track fossil fuel permits and delay coal plant retirements, drawing criticism from environmental groups for its contradictory nature. The bill has passed a House committee and faces further review and industry opposition.

zoningoppositionenvironmentalannouncementgovernmentelectricitywatermoratorium
GoogleAmazonMetaMicrosoft
6/3/2026
NC House advances bill addressing data center development, mandating new nuclear plant
News ClipWHQR·NC

NC House advances bill addressing data center development, mandating new nuclear plant

The N.C. House advanced an energy bill, Senate Bill 730, aimed at regulating large data center development in North Carolina. The legislation would mandate closed-loop cooling systems and noise studies for data centers, prevent local governments from offering incentives, and require data centers to cover all new infrastructure and energy costs. It also includes provisions for Duke Energy to obtain permission for a new nuclear plant before retiring fossil fuel plants.

governmentenvironmentalwaterelectricity
6/2/2026
Attorney general, governor join request line for regulation on data centers
News ClipThe Center Square·NC

Attorney general, governor join request line for regulation on data centers

North Carolina's Attorney General and Governor are advocating for a separate, higher electricity rate for large users, including data centers, to address grid strain and rising costs. This comes as Duke Energy Carolinas seeks a rate hike, with officials arguing data centers should cover their fair share. Legislation with similar goals is also moving through the state's General Assembly.

electricitygovernment
6/2/2026
NC lawmakers press for fast action on data center crackdown bill
News ClipWRAL·NC

NC lawmakers press for fast action on data center crackdown bill

North Carolina lawmakers are pushing for quick passage of a bill aimed at regulating data centers. The proposed legislation would require large data centers to cover their own electricity and infrastructure costs, mandate water recycling, and ban local incentives. It also seeks to tighten rules on data center location and ownership, while eliminating certain tax exemptions.

governmentelectricitywaterzoning
6/2/2026