Duke Energy solicits for more solar projects in North Carolina

- Request tied to company's Green Source Rider

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Feb 17, 2015, 11:00 ET

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy today issued a request for proposals (RFP) for up to 50 megawatts (MW) of new solar energy capacity in North Carolina.

Solar projects, 2 MW or larger, would be tied to the company's Green Source Rider. That program, approved in late 2013 by the North Carolina Utilities Commission, allows large customers of Duke Energy Carolinas to supply new electricity load with renewable energy.

"We explored multiple options with potential Green Source Rider-qualified customers over the past year, and in-state solar appears to be a good fit for meeting their needs," said Duke Energy's Rob Caldwell, senior vice president, Distributed Energy Resources. "We will work with these customers to identify the best projects at the most competitive price."

Duke Energy is looking for projects 2 MW or larger in the Duke Energy Carolinas territory. It gives developers the opportunity to sell power for up to 15 years, or to negotiate with Duke Energy for the utility to acquire ownership of the new facilities. Final selection will be based on pricing, customer preference and other considerations.

Caldwell added the company would like the projects to be online by the end of 2015, if possible – but Duke Energy will consider projects with a 2016 delivery date. The RFP is limited to projects that are in the company's current transmission and distribution queue. Duke Energy will give preference to projects in the latter stages of development.

For more information about the Duke Energy Carolinas RFP, send an email to [email protected].

Duke Energy: Renewable leader

The company currently owns or purchases almost 600 MW of solar capacity in North Carolina.

In December 2014, Duke Energy received regulatory approval for a $500 million expansion of solar energy for its customers – including three facilities the company will own and operate, totaling 128 megawatts.

The company will also purchase 150 megawatts of power from five other large-scale solar facilities. Together, these projects will increase solar in Duke Energy's North Carolina territory by almost 50 percent.

Overall, Duke Energy has wind and solar facilities in 12 states. The company's efforts in North Carolina have led it to be No. 4 in the nation for installed solar power.

Background

You can also follow Duke Energy on social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DukeEnergy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DukeEnergy

For TV reporters, Duke Energy has solar b-roll footage in a Dropbox account. It is in an MP4 format. Send an email to [email protected] if you would like to download it. The company will reply to your email and give you access to the folder.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 250 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at http://www.duke-energy.com/.

Duke Energy contact: Randy Wheeless
Office: 704.382.8379 I 24-hour media line: 800.559.3853
Twitter: @DE_RandyW

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SOURCE Duke Energy