Duke Energy Unveils Plans for New Natural Gas Power Plant in South Carolina

News Summary

Duke Energy is preparing to build a 1,400-megawatt natural gas power plant in Anderson County, South Carolina, to meet rising energy demands and enhance service reliability. Under the leadership of Tim Pearson, the company aims to address current power challenges, support legislative initiatives for new energy generation, and invest in advanced technology for grid resilience. The plant, pending regulatory approval, is slated to begin construction in 2027 and aims to be operational by 2031, furthering Duke Energy’s commitment to a diverse and stable energy future.

South Carolina is facing a critical juncture in its energy future, as Duke Energy embarks on significant initiatives to address rising demand and enhance service reliability. As of now, Duke Energy serves roughly 835,500 electric retail customers and 164,000 natural gas customers in the state. Tim Pearson, appointed in 2023 as the president of Duke Energy’s utility operations in South Carolina, is spearheading this transformative effort.

Pearson is responsible for overseeing the financial performance of Duke Energy’s regulated utilities within the state. His role extends to managing regulatory relations and community engagements, ensuring that Duke Energy aligns with local needs and expectations. Pearson’s extensive background includes over a decade of service in both government and policy in South Carolina, where he has worked with multiple governors, notably serving as chief of staff for Nikki Haley.

With the rising electricity demand, Duke Energy is planning to construct a new 1,400-megawatt natural gas power plant in Anderson County, South Carolina. This project aims to address the escalating needs of energy as the demand continues to grow. The construction is expected to begin in 2027, pending regulatory approval, with aspirations for the plant to be operational by early 2031. The proposed site spans 200 acres and will leverage existing transmission infrastructure while employing a low-water design.

Duke Energy is actively participating in legislative discussions, specifically supporting House Bill 3309. This proposed legislation aims to facilitate new energy generation in South Carolina, ensuring economic stability and a diverse energy supply for the future. Pearson emphasizes the company’s ongoing commitment to a resource plan that embraces an “all of the above” approach. This includes investments in hydrogen-capable natural gas, renewable energy, and advanced nuclear options.

The recent devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, which resulted in approximately 1.34 million customers losing power, particularly in the Upstate area, has been a pivotal event for Duke Energy. Over 99% of customers in that region experienced power outages during the storm. In response, Duke Energy is continuously assessing its preparation and response strategies to enhance grid resilience. The company reports that it has implemented self-healing technology that has avoided around 130,000 customer outages in South Carolina in 2024. This technology functions similarly to GPS routing systems, allowing power to be rerouted quickly in the event of outages.

Beyond infrastructure improvements, Duke Energy is committed to supporting its communities, especially during times of crisis. The company has contributed over $2 million since 2021 to combat hunger in South Carolina and has provided assistance to local agencies like the Red Cross during challenging times, such as the pandemic and natural disasters. Furthermore, the Duke Energy Foundation is set to contribute an additional $400,000 to the Share the Light Fund this summer for families experiencing financial hardships.

In line with its dedication to customer empowerment, Duke Energy offers programs that allow customers to control their energy usage effectively. These include initiatives like smart thermostats, which provide financial incentives for energy savings.

In summary, Duke Energy, under the leadership of Tim Pearson, is poised to significantly impact South Carolina’s energy landscape through new infrastructure, legislative support, and community engagement. The upcoming natural gas power plant and the strategies for enhancing service reliability and resilience are critical steps in addressing the energy needs of one of the fastest-growing areas in the region. As the state navigates these developments, Duke Energy is committed to ensuring a stable, affordable, and diverse energy future for its customers.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• PGJ Online: Duke Energy Plans New 1,400 MW Gas Plant in South Carolina
• Wikipedia: Duke Energy
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Duke Energy
• Power Magazine: Duke Energy Advances New 1.4 GW Gas Hydrogen Power Plant
• Google Search: Duke Energy Community Support
• WCNC: Duke Energy Record Heat Wave Support
• Google News: Duke Energy South Carolina