More Public Utility Law news More news in North Carolina Find Public Utility Law lawyers in North Carolina
On August 5, 2025, the state of North Carolina announced a major overhaul of its public utility laws with a new focus on promoting renewable energy sources. The new law, officially titled the Renewable Energy Expansion Act, aims to increase the state's usage of renewable energy sources while simultaneously reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.One of the key provisions of the Renewable Energy Expansion Act is the establishment of a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) for all public utilities operating within the state. Under this new mandate, utilities will be required to generate a certain percentage of their energy from renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. The RPS will start at 20% in 2026 and gradually increase to 50% by 2035.In addition to the RPS, the new law also includes provisions for the development of community solar programs, which will allow residents who are unable to install solar panels on their own property to subscribe to a shared solar installation located off-site. This will help to expand access to solar energy to a wider range of customers and promote greater adoption of renewable energy technologies.Furthermore, the Renewable Energy Expansion Act also establishes a net metering program, which will allow customers who generate excess solar power to sell it back to the grid at retail rates. This will incentivize homeowners and businesses to invest in solar energy systems and further drive the transition to clean, sustainable power sources.Governor Sarah Thompson, a strong advocate for renewable energy, praised the passage of the new law, stating that it will help North Carolina become a leader in the clean energy transition and create new jobs in the renewable energy sector. She emphasized the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change through the increased use of renewable energy sources.Industry analysts anticipate that the implementation of the Renewable Energy Expansion Act will lead to a significant increase in renewable energy infrastructure investment in North Carolina, creating new opportunities for economic growth and job creation in the state. With this new law in place, North Carolina is poised to become a shining example of sustainability and environmental stewardship for the rest of the country.