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On May 15, 2026, the North Carolina Public Utility Commission made a significant decision to approve a new regulation that will have far-reaching effects on the state's energy industry. The regulation, known as the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (REPS), mandates that a certain percentage of energy generated by public utilities in North Carolina must come from renewable sources.Under the new regulation, public utilities in the state will be required to generate 50% of their energy from renewable sources by 2030. This marks a significant increase from the previous requirement of 20% by 2025. The decision was made after months of public hearings and discussions, with stakeholders from the energy industry, environmental groups, and the general public weighing in on the issue.Supporters of the regulation argue that it will help reduce the state's carbon footprint and combat climate change. They also point to the economic benefits of investing in renewable energy, such as job creation and technological innovation. Opponents, on the other hand, have raised concerns about the potential costs of transitioning to renewable energy and the impact it could have on consumers' electricity bills.In a statement following the decision, the North Carolina Public Utility Commission emphasized the importance of transitioning to cleaner sources of energy in order to meet the state's climate goals and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. They also announced plans to work closely with public utilities to provide support and guidance as they work to comply with the new regulation.Overall, the approval of the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard represents a significant step forward for North Carolina in its efforts to increase renewable energy usage and move towards a more sustainable energy future. The regulation is set to take effect immediately, with public utilities expected to begin working towards meeting the new requirements in the coming months.