As part of its ongoing fleet-modernization program, the company will shut down the Cape Fear power plant in North Carolina and the H.B. Robinson Unit 1 power plant in South Carolina.
Duke Energy’s energy supply executive vice president Jeff Lyash said, "For decades, these two power plants have helped us provide the region with safe, reliable and affordable electricity."
The utility had opened the 316MW Cape Fear plant in Chatham County in 1923 as its first generating facility.
A total of six coal-fired units were located at the site, with four already closed down – two in 1977 and the other two in 2011.
The 177MW H.B. Robinson Unit 1 power plant in Darlington County began commercial operation in 1960.
Under the fleet-modernization strategy, the company is also building new natural gas-fueled combined-cycle units.
"We’re closing one chapter, but opening another as we continue to invest in our power system to meet the needs of our customers."
A 920MW natural gas-fueled combined-cycle power plant is being built near Goldsboro in North Carolina, while another 625MW gas-fired power plant is also under contraction in the state.
