E-7 Sub 1330

The main stakeholders identified in this docket (North Carolina Utilities Commission Docket No. E-7, Sub 1330) are:

- Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (DEC) and Duke Energy Progress, LLC (DEP) – referred to together as "the companies"
- The Public Staff – North Carolina Utilities Commission
- Walmart, Inc.
- Carolinas Clean Energy Business Association (CCEBA)

These stakeholders are parties to the "CPIRP stipulation," an agreement and stipulation of settlement. In this stipulation, the parties agreed that the Commission should select 900 MW of new combustion turbine (CT) capacity, incremental to previously approved CT capacity, for a total of two new CTs (CTs 3 & 4) to be placed in service by 2030. This proposal was accepted by the Commission, which then directed the companies to proceed with planning for these new natural gas resources.

There is no indication in the provided excerpts that any of these stakeholders are opposed to the proposal; rather, the agreement reflects consensus among these parties for selecting and advancing the new CT capacity at the Buck site. The stipulation and subsequent Commission order show aligned support from all mentioned stakeholders for the proposal to construct the new facility as part of the Carbon Plan and Integrated Resource Plan 1, 2.

The docket identifies several areas of growth, primarily focusing on:

1. Electric Load Growth and Capacity Needs:
- The 2023-2024 Carbon Plan and Integrated Resource Plan (CPIRP) identified a need for five new combustion turbines (CTs), with two (CTs 3 & 4) to be in service by 2030, adding about 850 MW of generation. This growth is intended to support projected load increases, enable future coal plant retirements, ensure resource adequacy, and provide voltage support for the greater Piedmont Triad area in the DEC northern region 1, 1, 1.

Key considerations:
- Timely deployment of new gas resources to meet forecasted energy demand.
- Use of a weighted site-scoring process addressing gas infrastructure, transmission capability, water supply, available land, community and environmental justice, air permitting, environmental factors, and operations for site selection 1, 1.

2. Regional Industrial and Economic Development:
- The docket references ongoing and planned industrial expansions near the Buck CC Station site, particularly along the Long Ferry Road corridor. The Carlton Farms Industrial Park, for instance, is planned to include six lots over approximately 384 acres, indicating significant industrial and commercial growth in the region 1.

Key considerations:
- Increased vehicular and truck traffic and the need for transportation mitigation improvements (such as intersection upgrades) due to new development.
- Coordination with local government planning studies and land use plans to ensure infrastructure supports both current and future growth 1.

3. Environmental Protection and Regulatory Compliance:
- Growth in energy infrastructure and industrial development necessitates careful attention to wetland impacts, stormwater management, and endangered species protection.
- The site contains small wetlands and stormwater features; regulatory compliance under the Clean Water Act and NPDES permitting is required. There is also a need to manage potential impacts on federally protected species (e.g., tricolored bat, monarch butterfly) 1, 1, 1.

Key considerations:
- Delineation and regulatory assessment of wetlands and stormwater features.
- Implementation of best management practices for stormwater and habitat conservation.
- Continued coordination with regulatory agencies and adherence to conservation agreements for protected species 1, 1.

In summary, the docket highlights growth in electricity demand, regional industrial development, and the associated infrastructure and environmental considerations, with a structured approach to planning and regulatory compliance in each area.

The docket discusses several financial and timeline risks and concerns related to the proposed Buck Energy Complex simple-cycle gas combustion turbine addition project:

Timeline Risks and Concerns:
- The timeline for bringing new gas resources online is driven by the need to meet the requirements identified in the 2023-2024 Carbon Plan and Integrated Resource Plan (CPIRP), which calls for commercial operation of the proposed facility (CTs 3 & 4) by 2030. Meeting this schedule is essential to provide incremental capacity, support coal retirements, and maintain system adequacy and voltage support 1, 2, 1.
- The construction schedule is preliminary and subject to the company's ability to complete site evaluations, secure regulatory approvals (such as the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, or CPCN), and implement required system upgrades. Any delays in regulatory proceedings or permitting could impact the project timeline 3, 2.
- There is uncertainty in the timeline to receive jurisdictional determinations from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) regarding wetlands and aquatic resources, as such determinations have no statutory review timeline and may delay Clean Water Act permitting if required 1.

Financial Risks and Concerns:
- If impacts to jurisdictional streams or wetlands exceed specific thresholds (more than 0.5 acre total, or more than 0.05 acre streambed loss), the project may require an individual permit rather than a general nationwide permit, potentially increasing costs and causing delays 1.
- The need for compensatory mitigation for impacts to jurisdictional waters could add to project costs 1.
- The cost and schedule for limited network upgrades required for safe and reliable interconnection are still being evaluated in ongoing studies; any unexpected network upgrade requirements could increase costs or delay the in-service date 2.
- Additional targeted surveys for protected species (e.g., tricolored bat) may be required if federal permits are needed, which could create both direct costs and timeline uncertainties, especially if new species are listed or critical habitat is designated 1.

In summary, the primary risks identified are regulatory and permitting-related timeline uncertainties, potential environmental compliance costs, and the possibility of increased interconnection or mitigation expenses if unforeseen issues arise during project development.

Key events and scheduled submissions in the Buck Energy Complex simple-cycle gas combustion turbine addition project proceeding include:

- July 2025: Filing of Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) preliminary plans.
- Q4 2025: Filing of the full CPCN application.
- May 30, 2025: Securing of the combustion turbine generator delivery slot.
- November 30, 2025: Execution of the purchase order for the combustion turbine generator.
- Q1 2026: Awarding of engineering, procurement, and construction contract.
- Q2 2026: Receipt of CPCN decision.
- Q3 2027: Beginning of site construction.
- Q1 2029: Natural gas available for commissioning.
- Q2 2029: Transmission back feed for commissioning; begin commissioning and testing.
- Q4 2029: Substantial completion and commencement of commercial operation.
- Q1 2030: Final completion and Duke Energy Carolinas assumes care, custody, and control of the facility 1, 1, 1, 1, 1.

This docket concerns Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC's proposal to add two new simple-cycle natural gas combustion turbines (CTs), each approximately 400 MW, at the Buck Energy Complex in Salisbury, North Carolina. The project is driven by the 2023-2024 Carbon Plan and Integrated Resource Plan (CPIRP), which identified a need for five new CTs systemwide, with the Buck facility (CTs 3 & 4) required to be operational by 2030 to meet projected load growth, enable coal retirements, maintain grid reliability, and support resource adequacy.

Key points:
- The proposed facility will add about 850 MW of incremental generation capacity and will be built on a 20-acre section of the former Buck Steam Station coal pile site.
- The site selection process considered eight weighted criteria: gas infrastructure, transmission capability, water supply, available land, community and environmental justice, air permitting, environmental factors, and operations.
- The location leverages existing natural gas pipelines, transmission lines, water supply, and company-owned land for cost and logistical advantages.
- Community engagement included evaluating proximity to residential and public housing and using a one-mile screening radius.
- The facility is part of a broader settlement stipulating that 900 MW of new CT capacity be added by 2030, as agreed by Duke, the Public Staff of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Walmart, and the Carolinas Clean Energy Business Association.
- Environmental, noise, and land use assessments have been conducted, with compliance to state and federal air quality and noise standards addressed.

The docket documents preliminary plans in preparation for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) application, which is expected in Q4 2025 1, 2, 1.