Item:
Title
Submission of Comments in the NC Utilities Commission Docket E-100 Sub 165 of Duke Energy’s 2020 Integrated Resource Plan
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: February 22, 2021
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to approve having the Chair of the Board of Commissioners or her designee sign on to the North Carolina local government group comments to Duke Energy’s 2020 Integrated Resource Plan (Docket E-100, Sub 165) and directs staff to continue to work with other North Carolina local governments on this issue throughout the IRP process.
Every two years Duke Energy submits an integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to communicate strategies for delivering reliable electricity at the lowest cost across a 10-20year horizon. The IRP models potential pathways for Duke to provide affordable, reliable electricity and opportunities to accelerate renewable energy deployment, lower carbon fuels, and energy efficiency. There is a review process that includes opportunities for stakeholders to provide input into the plan. This review process is an opportunity for Durham County to join with other North Carolina communities to share our climate action goals and communicate how the IRP can best support them.
This is the first IRP that has been published since Durham County adopted a 100% clean, renewable energy goal in November 2018. Section 3 of that resolution commits the county to work with Duke Energy, the Public Utilities Commission, and others to aggressively increase renewable energy in the grid to help us meet our goals. Commenting on the IRP through this process is in line with that directive by taking advantage of an opportunity to advocate for bringing more renewable energy to our electricity grid. The County can also highlight the need for more support with local energy efficiency programs and electric vehicle infrastructure.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with Strategic Plan Goal 4 (Environmental Stewardship and Community Prosperity) by helping meet County greenhouse gas emissions reduction and renewable energy goals.
Resource Persons: Tobin L. Freid, Sustainability Manager; Peri Manns, ASLA, LEED GA, Deputy Director of Engineering and Environmental Services
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board approve having the Chair of the Board of Commissioners or her designee sign on to the North Carolina local government group comments to Duke Energy’s 2020 Integrated Resource Plan (Docket E-100, Sub 165) and directs staff to continue to work with other North Carolina local governments on this issue throughout the IRP process.
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________