Tim Pearson Takes Charge at Duke Energy in South Carolina

News Summary

Tim Pearson has been appointed as the state president of Duke Energy’s utility operations in South Carolina. With a focus on financial performance and community relations, Pearson aims to ensure reliable energy delivery and support economic growth. Under his leadership, Duke Energy is involved in initiatives for sustainable energy solutions and community engagement, highlighting a commitment to enhancing both utility reliability and social responsibility.

South Carolina – Tim Pearson has taken the helm as the state president of Duke Energy’s utility operations in South Carolina, overseeing a service area that caters to approximately 835,500 electric retail customers and 164,000 natural gas customers. Assumed in November 2024, Pearson’s primary focus revolves around ensuring the financial performance of the company’s regulated utilities while enhancing community relations and regulatory affairs.

Pearson stepped into his current role after serving as vice president of government affairs since 2023, bringing with him extensive experience in government and policy within the state. Prior to joining Duke Energy full-time, he was an adviser and consultant, collaborating closely with the utility company. His notable career includes serving as an adviser to multiple governors in South Carolina, including a chief of staff role for Nikki Haley, as well as working as a general consultant for Governor Henry McMaster’s successful campaigns in both 2018 and 2022.

At Duke Energy, Pearson emphasizes the importance of delivering reliable energy around the clock, maintaining affordable energy prices, and supporting local economic vitality. The company actively collaborates with community leaders to effectively manage energy delivery, initiate restoration efforts during outages, and foster philanthropic investments. Since 2021, the Duke Energy Foundation has committed over $2 million to combat hunger in South Carolina, showcasing the company’s engagement with community needs.

The recent response efforts during Hurricane Helene highlighted Duke Energy’s collaboration with local partners. Teams worked together to restore power to affected areas amid significant damage caused by severe weather. In addition to immediate response measures, the company is also proactively planning for South Carolina’s future energy landscape. Proposed legislation, House Bill 3309, aims to support economic growth through progressive energy policies.

Duke Energy employs an “all of the above” strategy in its resource planning, which integrates hydrogen-capable natural gas, solar energy, battery storage, and nuclear energy. This strategic approach is complemented by the implementation of self-healing technology, which has successfully prevented approximately 130,000 outages in South Carolina throughout 2024, especially during major storms. Ongoing investments in infrastructure include tree trimming and line upgrades, designed to fortify the electric grid against severe weather and enhance overall reliability.

Beyond infrastructure, Duke Energy is committed to customer engagement, implementing programs that allow customers to manage their energy usage efficiently and potentially save on costs during peak demand periods. Furthermore, the company has received approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to extend the operating licenses for the Oconee Nuclear Station for an additional 20 years, reinforcing its dedication to reliable energy generation.

Environmental responsibility is another significant focus for Duke Energy, with plans to achieve net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030, and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. In alignment with these goals, the company has pledged $200,000 in grants to organizations supporting South Carolina’s aging population, particularly those facing income challenges, indicating a commitment not only to energy sustainability but also to social responsibility.

As Pearson leads Duke Energy’s efforts in South Carolina, his broad experience and commitment to community engagement are likely to shape the utility’s future initiatives, focusing on reliability, affordability, and sustainability.

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