North Carolina regulators have rejected Duke Energy's bid to build a new gas power plant, a decision that stands out for its rarity. The proposed 255-megawatt facility in Richmond County was first put forward last fall, but the state panel declined to approve it.
The denial is notable because the regulatory body frequently sides with Duke Energy, the state's predominant utility. By pushing back, regulators have signaled a willingness to scrutinize new fossil-fuel infrastructure more closely.
While the source does not detail the regulators' specific reasoning, the outcome marks a clear setback for Duke's gas expansion plans in the state. It remains unclear whether the utility will revise its proposal or pursue other options.