Duke Energy barred from retiring coal until new nuclear permit secured

The North Carolina House of Representatives passed the Ratepayer Protection Act, directly impacting Duke Energy operations.

The legislation prohibits the utility from retiring existing coal-fired power plants until it secures a state permit for a new 1-gigawatt nuclear facility.

Supporters claim the bill will lower consumer energy costs by regulating high demand from data centers.

Critics warn the measure extends the life of expensive, aging coal plants. They also argue customers may bear the costs of nuclear projects facing potential delays or cancellation.