Clean Energy Groups Challenge Solar Project Pause in North Carolina
Environmental advocates challenge state utilities chairman’s order halting Duke Energy’s solar project approvals for 2026.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA — Clean energy advocates have filed a motion urging the North Carolina Utilities Commission to overturn an unusual order by its chairman that directs Duke Energy to halt its 2026 solar procurement process.
The Southern Environmental Law Center filed the motion on behalf of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Vote Solar, and Sierra Club, challenging Commissioner Chairman Bill Brawley’s April 23 deferral order. The order pauses the approval process for solar project requests in 2026, affecting proposals for solar plans expected to generate power in the early 2030s.
While the order does not cancel existing projects, it prevents the utility from adding new solar capacity this year, which could impact future renewable energy development across the state.
Rate Increases Drive Concerns
North Carolina residents are already experiencing power bills climbing faster than overall inflation, and two pending requests for rate increases by Duke Energy are expected to worsen the situation. Clean energy advocates argue that increasing solar capacity can help offset the volatility of costs associated with other fuel sources.
“If we continue on the trajectory that we’re seeing with the cancellation of resources that have no associated fuel costs, the impact on North Carolina is going to be on our wallets,” said Mikaela Curry, Beyond Coal Campaign manager for the Sierra Club. “It’s on our environment as well, because we know the harms that come with continuing to burn coal.”
National Context
The utilities commission chairman’s order represents the latest development in a broader shift away from clean energy initiatives that has gained momentum during President Donald Trump’s second administration. The Trump administration refers to renewable energy initiatives as the “Green New Scam.”
The pause on solar procurement comes as federal agencies have also moved to limit renewable energy development. The U.S. Department of the Interior recently made decisions affecting offshore wind projects, according to previous reporting.
The environmental groups’ motion seeks reconsideration of the deferral order, arguing that blocking new solar projects could have long-term consequences for both consumers and the environment. The commission has not yet announced when it will consider the motion or whether it will schedule hearings on the matter.
Duke Energy serves millions of customers across North Carolina and has been working to balance its energy portfolio amid changing federal policies and state regulations. The utility company has not publicly commented on the environmental groups’ challenge to the commission chairman’s order.
