Tech Giants Press Duke Energy for 24/7 Clean Power in North Carolina

· Climate · United States

Large technology companies and other corporations seeking 24/7 carbon-free electricity in North Carolina face a structural obstacle: across most of the state, only Duke Energy, the vertically integrated utility, can sell them power, and its grid is not required to be 100% clean until mid-century. Canary Media reported on the standoff, which pits corporate clean-energy procurement goals against a regulated monopoly model that limits alternatives such as direct power purchase agreements. The dynamic is playing out as data-center demand for electricity surges nationwide, pushing utilities, regulators and large buyers to negotiate new tariff structures and clean supply arrangements. How Duke responds could set a precedent for other monopoly markets.

Why it matters：The clash between corporate 24/7 clean-power goals and monopoly utility structures is spreading as data centers strain grids, making it a test case for how regulated markets adapt.

Key points

  • Duke Energy is the only power seller across most of North Carolina.
  • Its grid is not required to be fully clean until mid-century.
  • Tech firms want 24/7 carbon-free power but face a regulated monopoly model.

Sources (original reporting)

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