Selim Bingol: Duke Energy evolving for the future

Regarding the April 12 letter “Taking on Duke Energy”: It’s always interesting to see what inventive new angle NC WARN will take in attacking the men and women of Duke Energy.

The latest is that the public debate on climate issues is being stifled, which must come as a surprise to anyone who reads the paper, watches TV or opens an Internet browser.

When NC WARN fought our plans to retire a coal plant in Asheville and replace it with a cleaner gas plant, the North Carolina Utilities Commission categorically rejected it, saying: “The Commission determines NC WARN’s assertions of excess capacity overly simplistic and lacking credibility.” That’s just the latest example. Unfortunately, history says there will be more.

In the meantime, we are not “driving carbon emissions higher.” We have reduced them by 44 million tons (28 percent) versus 2005. We are retiring coal plants across our system and adding natural gas to our generation mix – the same fuel that President Obama said is “creating jobs, lowering many families’ heat and power bills and it’s the transition fuel that can power our economy with less carbon pollution.”

And here’s something that should warm even NC WARN’s heart: We continue adding more renewables, too.

We’ve helped make North Carolina No. 4 in the nation in solar. Overall, the amount of wind and solar capacity Duke Energy has can power the equivalent of nearly 1 million homes, with more on the way. All while keeping electricity rates in North Carolina well below the national average.

We are proud to have powered our state for more than 100 years, and we welcome legitimate debate as we lead North Carolina to a smarter, cleaner energy future.

The length limit was waived to permit a fuller response.

This story was originally published April 14, 2016 at 5:10 PM with the headline "Selim Bingol: Duke Energy evolving for the future."