The new plant development is part of the company’s long-term plan to add new generation, modernize the fleet, and manage customer costs while offering a high-quality, reliable power supply.
Duke Energy state president – South Carolina Clark Gillespy said Natural gas-fired combined cycle plants have very low plant emissions and are very efficient in the production of electricity using natural gas as fuel.
"Natural gas-fired combined cycle plants are a good match to meet the significant energy needs of our customers over the next 15 years, and are expected to be an important part of the future Duke Energy Carolinas generation portfolio," Gillespy added.
The North Carolina Electric Membership will own 100 megawatts of the project, which was approved by the Public Service Commission of South Carolina in April.
Construction of the plant will begin in summer 2015 and expected to be operational in November 2017.
"Duke Energy will be able to leverage existing site infrastructure to minimize new generation project costs and impacts to the community and environment."
