Since August of last year, the North Carolina Energy Policy Task Force has convened, bringing together 30 energy experts to develop solutions for the state’s evolving energy landscape. Its interim report, released this month, outlines nine key recommendations aimed at addressing anticipated load growth and preparing our resource systems to meet rising energy demand:
- Develop options for large load tariffs
- Develop options for “bring your own capacity” and alternate capacity procurement methods
- Develop options to encourage load flexibility
- Explore reforms to large load and generation interconnection processes
- Assess the dollar and strategic value of existing sales and use tax exemptions for data centers
- Explore evaluation process for advanced transmission technologies and grid-enhancing technologies
- Explore residential and small business incentives for energy efficiency improvements
- Explore development of third-party load forecasting process
- Explore energy and water usage reporting for data centers
The Task Force will continue to meet over the next year to expand upon its recommendations and produce more detailed guidance that will support North Carolina’s energy needs. Stay tuned for a technical modeling release next month, as well as further reporting next February that will expand on topics like affordability, ratepayer protections, and grid resilience. You can view the Governor’s press release and the full report here.