North Carolina Regulators Reject Duke Energy Gas Power Plant Amid Cost Concerns

Natural gas production in the United States is expected to reach record highs in 2026 and 2027, driven by increased output and demand. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicts dry gas production will rise from 107.6 billion cubic feet per day in 2025 to 111.7 bcfd in 2026 and 115.9 bcfd in 2027.

However, a judge has ruled that a proposed North Carolina gas power plant should not proceed. The project, worth $500 million, was rejected by the state's Utilities Commission due to concerns over cost recovery mechanisms for consumers.

The commission cited President Donald Trump's Ratepayer Protection Pledge, which aims to protect American consumers from price hikes driven by data centre energy and infrastructure requirements. Duke Energy, the utility behind the project, will need to reapply with revised plans that comply with the pledge.