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Duke Energy says it will engage stakeholders in early 2027 to explore a clean transition tariff for large electricity users in North Carolina. The discussions could address a long-standing request from technology companies, but Duke has not committed to creating or implementing a tariff.
Duke Energy plans to begin stakeholder discussions in early 2027 about a clean transition tariff that would let large customers in North Carolina pay for new, zero-carbon electricity. The utility’s statement marks its clearest step in years toward a proposal sought by technology companies, though Duke has not promised to adopt or launch a tariff.
Duke spokesperson Bill Norton told Canary Media that the utility wants to explore the gaps in its existing programs and possible new features. “We will seek to engage stakeholders in early 2027 to explore gaps in the current offerings and potential new features and options,” Norton said. He described the plan for discussions as “definite.”
The proposed tariff is intended to give large energy users a way to pay a premium for new carbon-free power, with Duke acting as an intermediary. Norton said any approach should build on Green Source Advantage, Duke’s existing programs through which large customers can contribute to renewable energy projects that are already underway.
The announcement is a commitment to discuss options, not a finalized program. Duke has not provided a tariff design, eligibility rules, price, schedule for approval or a date when customers could use one. The company also has not said which stakeholders will take part in the planned talks.
Who Pays for Data Center Power
The discussion comes as Duke anticipates rising electricity demand from data centers and other large users. The utility has proposed rate increases and new fossil-fuel plants, with some of that projected demand tied to data centers. A clean transition tariff could offer companies seeking round-the-clock carbon-free electricity a way to fund new clean resources rather than relying solely on the existing supply mix.
It could also affect how costs and risks are shared. Advocates say large customers that commit to paying for power and associated projects can help limit the risk that households will bear costs for infrastructure built to serve facilities that later do not materialize or leave the state. Whether a future Duke proposal would provide that protection depends on its design and binding customer commitments.
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Years of Requests, Limited Progress
Across most of North Carolina, Duke is the only utility able to sell electricity, according to the report. The company’s grid is not required to be fully clean until mid-century, leaving large customers seeking 24/7 carbon-free electricity with limited options to obtain it through their utility.
Google and other companies have sought a clean transition tariff for much of the decade. In spring 2024, Duke said it intended to pursue a plan with major technology firms and steelmaker Nucor, but it did not follow through. Earlier this year, the company said it would evaluate a tariff “in good faith” without making a commitment. The new statement names an early-2027 stakeholder process, but does not establish state policy or guarantee a final tariff.
Large-load tariffs are being considered in other parts of the country as utilities respond to projected demand from data centers. Some include requirements for customers to secure or pay for clean energy. The North Carolina proposal is still at the discussion stage.
“We will seek to engage stakeholders in early 2027 to explore gaps in the current offerings and potential new features and options.”
— Bill Norton, Duke Energy spokesperson
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Tariff Design Still Undecided
Duke has not said whether stakeholder discussions will result in a formal tariff filing, how soon regulators might review one, or whether any program would require customers to fund new generation and storage on specific terms. It is also unclear how “24/7 carbon-free” would be defined or verified under a North Carolina offering.
The announced talks do not resolve disputes over how much electricity data centers will need, what resources should meet that demand, or how costs should be allocated. Duke’s statement is not a state mandate, and the report does not identify an approved design or a customer agreement.
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Stakeholder Talks Set for 2027
Duke says it will seek stakeholder engagement in early 2027 to examine gaps in Green Source Advantage and potential additions. That process is the next stated milestone. The utility has not announced a meeting date, a list of participants, or a timetable for producing a proposal.
Readers should watch for details on customer commitments, eligible clean-energy projects, costs, and any steps toward a filing with state regulators. Until Duke provides those details, the practical effect of the announcement remains limited to opening a planned discussion.
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Key Questions
Has Duke Energy approved a clean transition tariff?
No. Duke says it plans stakeholder discussions in early 2027 to explore a tariff and possible options. It has not announced an approved or final program.
What would the tariff do?
The proposal would give large electricity users a potential way to pay for new zero-carbon energy through Duke. The specific structure, costs and requirements have not been set out.
When will Duke begin discussions?
Duke says it will seek to engage stakeholders in early 2027. The company has not announced exact dates or who will participate.
Why are data centers part of the debate?
Duke projects rising electricity demand from data centers and has proposed rate increases and new fossil-fuel plants, partly to serve that growth. Advocates say large customers should help pay for the power and infrastructure they require, reducing potential costs for other customers.
What does Duke’s existing Green Source Advantage program do?
According to Duke, Green Source Advantage lets large energy users contribute to renewable-energy projects already underway. Duke says a possible clean transition tariff should build on those existing offerings.
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