Press Release
Democracy Green Submits Comments to the North Carolina Utilities Commission on Large Electric Load Additions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2025
Raleigh, NC — Democracy Green, a nonprofit environmental community and conservation protection organization, has submitted formal comments to the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) in Docket No. E-100, Sub 208. The filing addresses the risks and impacts of unprecedented large electric load growth from data centers, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence computing hubs, as well as storm recovery and ratepayer protections following recent catastrophic weather events.
The comments urge the Commission to:
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Require large-load customers to pay the full costs of new infrastructure through a mandatory tariff, ensuring families are not forced to foot the bill for massive new projects.
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Incorporate distributed energy resources (DERs) and Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) into integrated resource planning.
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Conduct Equity Impact Assessments and mandate Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) where new facilities affect vulnerable communities.
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Scrutinize storm recovery riders to prevent compounding surcharges on households already burdened by repeated natural disasters such as Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Chantal.
“Our communities are already stretched thin from climate disasters and unfair energy burdens,” said Prof. La’Meshia Whittington, President of the Board of Democracy Green. “This filing is about ensuring North Carolina builds a resilient and fair energy future, where the costs of speculative industrial growth are not shifted onto working families.”
Sanja Whittington, Executive Director of Democracy Green, added: “Placing community voices directly into the state’s regulatory process is critical. We will continue to stand with residents, rural towns, and storm-impacted regions to ensure their needs are prioritized.”
The filing can be viewed on the NCUC’s docket portal under E-100, Sub 208 once approved.
Media Contact:
La’Meshia Whittington, President of the Board
📧 President@democracygreen.net
Sanja Whittington, Executive Director
📧 admin@democracygreen.net | 📞 910-813-3757