Posted December 02, 2020

RALEIGH – Duke Energy plans to launch a $25 million pilot program for electric vehicle charging stations as well as replacing some diesel-powered school buses.

However, the plan as approved by the North Carolina Utilities Commission last week and announced Monday is only a third the size as Duke proposed in early 2019.

The commission also calls for Duke to “create a stakeholder process to craft other programs to spur future EV adoption in the state.”

“There were a number of intervenors who could be involved: environmental and clean energy groups – plus EV charging companies,” a spokesperson for Duke Energy says.

Highlights of the program include as summarized by the utility:

• Duke Energy will install, own and operate a total of 160 public Level 2 charging stations at public destinations to encourage EV adoption. The company will collect utilization and other load characteristics to understand potential grid and utility impacts.
• Duke Energy will install, own and operate 40 publicly accessible direct current fast charging stations throughout North Carolina.
• It will install, own and operate up to 80 Level 2 charging stations for residents of multifamily dwellings — providing easy access to EV charging for non-homeowners throughout the state.
• It will help replace 30 older, diesel school buses with zero-emission school buses in public school transportation systems. The funding will be up to $215,000 per bus on a first-come, first-served basis to school districts.

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