Who Owns Duke Energy Progress?

Duke Energy Progress' sustainability strategy is tied to Duke Energy Corporation's commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and eliminate coal from its Carolinas generation mix by 2035. The utility is retiring coal-fired units and replacing them with natural gas, solar, and battery storage.

The nuclear fleet is a core component of the clean energy strategy. The Brunswick, Harris, and Robinson nuclear stations provide low-carbon baseload electricity with zero carbon emissions. Nuclear power complements variable renewable sources like solar by providing reliable generation around the clock.

Duke Energy Progress has significantly expanded its solar generation capacity. Eastern North Carolina's flat terrain and available land have supported large-scale solar development. North Carolina ranks among the top states for installed solar capacity in the United States.

Energy efficiency and demand response programs help customers reduce consumption and manage peak demand. The utility offers rebates for energy-efficient appliances, smart thermostat programs, and demand response incentives.

Coal ash management is a significant environmental issue. Duke Energy has been closing coal ash ponds across its system under regulatory oversight from the U.S. EPA and state environmental agencies, following the 2014 Dan River coal ash spill.

Specific awards for Duke Energy Progress as a standalone utility are not widely published in available sources. Recognition for the broader Duke Energy Corporation includes acknowledgment from utility industry organizations for reliability, safety, and environmental stewardship. The Edison Electric Institute has recognized Duke Energy for emergency response and outage restoration. The company's nuclear fleet has received safety recognition from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and nuclear industry organizations.

Duke Energy Progress does not manufacture consumer products, so product recalls do not apply. The utility has faced environmental, regulatory, and rate-related controversies.

2012 merger leadership controversy: The Duke Energy-Progress Energy merger was marred by a leadership change. William Johnson, Progress Energy's CEO, was designated to lead the combined company but was replaced by James Rogers within hours of the merger closing. The NCUC and FERC investigated the switch, and Duke Energy faced criticism for the abrupt change.

Coal plant closure controversy: Duke Energy Progress has retired coal-fired generating units as part of Duke Energy's clean energy transition. Environmental groups have pressed for faster retirements, while some regulators and industrial customers have raised concerns about reliability and cost during the transition. Coal plant closures have also raised concerns about job losses in affected communities.

Rate increase disputes: Duke Energy Progress has filed rate cases with the NCUC and PSCSC to recover infrastructure investments. Consumer advocacy groups have raised concerns about the impact of rate increases on residential customers, particularly low-income households.

Coal ash management: Duke Energy Progress has coal ash disposal sites from historical coal plant operations. Following the 2014 Dan River coal ash spill at a Duke Energy facility, the company has been closing coal ash ponds under regulatory oversight. Environmental groups have raised concerns about groundwater contamination.

Nuclear waste management: The Brunswick, Harris, and Robinson nuclear stations generate spent nuclear fuel requiring long-term storage. The absence of a federal permanent nuclear waste repository means spent fuel is stored on-site. Community groups have raised concerns about on-site storage safety.

DEP-DEC merger scrutiny: The merger of DEP and DEC, approved by FERC in January 2026, has drawn scrutiny from consumer advocates concerned about potential rate impacts and from environmental groups concerned about the combined utility's resource planning. State regulatory approvals are still required.