Duke Energy(DUK) Prnewswire·2025-01-16 16:00Core Viewpoint - Duke Energy has proposed the Clean Energy Connection (CEC) program to allow customers in North Carolina and South Carolina to benefit from solar energy without the need for rooftop installations, providing a subscription model that includes monthly bill credits for solar energy generated [1][2]. Group 1: Program Details - The CEC program will be available to large commercial, small- and medium-sized business, and residential customers if approved [2]. - Customers can subscribe to solar energy in 1-kilowatt (kW) increments, with the subscription fee added to their regular electric bill [4]. - The subscription credit will be based on the energy produced by the solar centers, with an annual escalation in the credit rate after three years of continuous subscription [5]. Group 2: Customer Benefits - Participating customers will gain environmental benefits from renewable energy without owning the generating facility, aiding in their sustainability goals [5]. - The program is designed to benefit all customers without imposing costs on non-participating customers [6]. - Income-qualified customers can participate with a fixed subscription fee that ensures a net benefit, funded by other participants in the program [9]. Group 3: Implementation Timeline - If approved, the CEC program is expected to be available to customers in 2027 when new solar facilities come online [7]. - Current customers with over 12 months of billing history can match their subscription level to their usage, while new customers can start at a baseline level of 1 kW per month [7]. Group 4: Company Commitment - Duke Energy is committed to a clean energy transition, aiming for net-zero methane emissions by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050 [12]. - The company is investing in electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation methods, including renewables and energy storage [12].