North Carolina

Duke Energy | Electrical Generation | Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | North Carolina

Duke Energy Plans 2 New Gas-Fired Plants Near Charlotte, NC
July 25, 2025July 25, 2025

Duke Energy is a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, NC, and is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. Duke’s electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, and it collectively owns 50,000 megawatts of energy-generating capacity. Duke’s natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio, and Kentucky. The company employs 28,000 people. We’ve covered many stories over the years of Duke seeking to build new gas-fired power generation throughout its territory. Here’s another new one: Duke wants to build two new gas-fired power plants (combined capacity of 850 megawatts) near its home base, just outside of Charlotte in Rowan County, NC. Read More “Duke Energy Plans 2 New Gas-Fired Plants Near Charlotte, NC”
Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | North Carolina | Pipelines | Transco | Williams

Williams Makes Pitch to Add 28 Miles of Transco Pipe in NC Triad
May 16, 2025May 16, 2025

Transco Pipeline

Last November, Williams officially filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to build an expansion of its mighty Transco pipeline system in the southeastern U.S., a project called the Southeast Supply Enhancement Project (see Williams Files with FERC to Expand Mighty Transco Pipe in Southeast). The SSE project will add 1.6 million dekatherms per day (1.6 Bcf/d) of natural gas transportation capacity, equivalent to what is needed to serve approximately 9.8 million homes. Yesterday, Williams representatives were in the Triad area of North Carolina to pitch a small piece of the project to residents—building 28.4 miles of looping pipeline next to the existing pipeline in the same right-of-way. Read More “Williams Makes Pitch to Add 28 Miles of Transco Pipe in NC Triad”
Energy Companies | Energy Services | EQT Corp | Equitrans/EQT Midstream | Industrywide Issues | North Carolina | Pipelines | Regulation

MVP Asks FERC to Amend Original Southgate Cert – Shorter & Bigger
February 5, 2025February 5, 2025

In 2018, Equitrans Midstream, the builder of the 303-mile Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP), proposed to extend MVP by an extra 75 miles from the current terminus in Pittsylvania County, VA, to Alamance County, NC, to provide natural gas for heating and electric generation. The 75-mile extension is called MVP Southgate. In December 2023, MVP changed the Southgate plan by cutting the distance by more than half and bumping up the size (diameter) of the pipeline (see Equitrans Slices MVP Southgate Pipe Project From 75 to 31 Miles). MVP had intended to push forward with building under the previously issued FERC Southgate certificate. MVP (now owned by EQT) filed a request with FERC on Monday to amend the original approval. Read More “MVP Asks FERC to Amend Original Southgate Cert – Shorter & Bigger”
Duke Energy | Electrical Generation | Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | North Carolina | Regulation

NC Approves Duke Energy Replacing Coal Plants with Natural Gas
January 7, 2025January 7, 2025

We’re just now learning the good news about decisions by two different North Carolina agencies to approve four new gas-fired power plants that utility giant Duke Energy wants to build at two different N.C. sites. In early December, the N.C. Utilities Commission issued orders deeming the gas plants necessary at both sites. Then, on Dec. 20, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality granted air quality permits for the four plants. All four will be fed by Marcellus/Utica molecules and are important new customers for our gas. Read More “NC Approves Duke Energy Replacing Coal Plants with Natural Gas”
Electrical Generation | Industrywide Issues | North Carolina

Microsoft Spends $27M on Land in NC Near Gas Pipes – Data Center?
November 4, 2024November 4, 2024

Person County, NC

We spotted a story that piqued our curiosity and appealed to our hobby of connecting dots to figure out what is happening. Microsoft has reportedly purchased 1,385 acres in Woodsdale Township in Person County, North Carolina, for $26.85 million. The company is hush-hush about its future plans for the site, but we think we have a pretty good guess about what will be built there: a data center. Read More “Microsoft Spends $27M on Land in NC Near Gas Pipes – Data Center?”
Alternative Energy | Dominion Energy | Electrical Generation | Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | North Carolina | Virginia

Dominion Energy’s Wokified Plan to Use NatGas as Backup Only
October 16, 2024October 16, 2024

Dominion Energy Virginia yesterday issued its “2024 Integrated Resource Plan” to the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) and the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC). The document outlines a plan to meet rising power demand through significant investments in new power generation from “every source,” expansion and modernization of the power grid, energy storage, and energy efficiency programs. The problem is (from our perspective), the plan deemphasizes natural gas in favor of unreliable renewables, to the peril of Dominion’s customers. Read More “Dominion Energy’s Wokified Plan to Use NatGas as Backup Only”
Dominion Energy | Enbridge | Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | LDCs | M&A | North Carolina

Sale of 3rd & Final LDC from Dominion to Enbridge Now Complete
October 2, 2024October 2, 2024

In September 2023, Dominion Energy and Enbridge co-announced that Dominion had agreed to sell the company’s remaining natural gas local distribution companies (LDCs) that Dominion owns to Enbridge for $14.0 billion, which includes $9.4 billion in cash plus the assumption of debt (see Dominion Energy Loses Mind – Sells Remaining LDC NatGas Businesses). The deal includes three LDCs (local utility companies)—The East Ohio Gas Company, Public Service Company of North Carolina, and Questar Gas Company (along with Wexpro Company). The first of the three deals, the East Ohio Gas Company, officially changed hands in March of this year (see Sale of East Ohio Gas Co. from Dominion to Enbridge Now Complete). The second deal, Questar Gas (serving customers in the western U.S.), closed in June of this year (see Enbridge Completes Acquisition of Questar Gas Company). The third and final LDC deal, Public Service Company of North Carolina (PSNC), closed yesterday.
Read More “Sale of 3rd & Final LDC from Dominion to Enbridge Now Complete”
Enbridge | Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | North Carolina | Pipelines | Regulation | Virginia

FERC Gives OK to Start Building ETNG System Alignment in TN, NC
September 6, 2024September 6, 2024

In March of this year, MDN brought the news that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) had approved an Enbridge project to update its East Tennessee Natural Gas (ETNG) pipeline system (see FERC Approves East Tenn. NatGas System Alignment in NC, TN, VA). The project is referred to as the ETNG System Alignment Program Project. ETNG plans to add two electric compressor stations and pipeline capacity in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Here’s something you don’t read about every day: The original target by Enbridge was to begin construction on the project in the second quarter of next year. Scratch that! Last Friday, FERC gave Enbridge its approval to begin construction on the System Alignment Project now, nearly a year ahead of schedule. Read More “FERC Gives OK to Start Building ETNG System Alignment in TN, NC”
Dominion Energy | Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | North Carolina | Pipelines

Dominion Open House for New 45-Mile Pipeline in North Carolina
August 29, 2024August 30, 2024

In February, MDN told you about Dominion Energy’s filing to build a new 45-mile pipeline to connect Equitrans’ (now EQT’s) MVP Southgate pipeline project with Duke Energy’s planned new natural gas power plants on Hyco Lake’s southern shore (see Dominion Energy Announces New 45-Mile Pipeline for North Carolina). As part of the process of building the pipeline, Dominion is holding a series of open houses to allow local residents to ask questions and view maps. A large crowd turned out Wednesday, August 21, at the Yanceyville (Caswell County, NC) open house. CLARIFICATION FROM DOMINION BELOW
Read More “Dominion Open House for New 45-Mile Pipeline in North Carolina”
Dominion Energy | Duke Energy | Electrical Generation | Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | LDCs | North Carolina | Pipelines | South Carolina | Virginia

The Biggest Customers for More M-U NatGas in VA, NC, SC
August 28, 2024August 28, 2024

Last week, MDN brought you an article from RBN Energy detailing how more electricity and natural gas will soon be needed in Virginia and the Carolinas for a plethora of new projects in the works (see Pipelines to the Rescue! Delivering M-U Gas to Va. & Carolinas). That post focused on two pipelines that flow Marcellus/Utica molecules to meet the growing need in the Southeast: Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP), now owned by EQT, and Transco (Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line), owned by Williams. RBN has written a “part 2” on the topic, focusing on the customers that will buy the gas to generate electricity or resell it to end users. Read More “The Biggest Customers for More M-U NatGas in VA, NC, SC”
Air Quality | Dominion Energy | Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | North Carolina

NC Locals Seek Air Monitoring for Dominion LNG Storage Facility
August 27, 2024August 27, 2024

Dominion Energy wants to build a liquified natural gas (LNG) storage facility in Person County, North Carolina, to enhance natural gas service reliability for residential and business customers in the growing region (see NC Residents Freak Out Over Proposed Dominion LNG Storage Tank). Dominion studied several potential sites and collected a boatload of data during the site selection process. Ultimately, Dominion selected a 504-acre site in the southeast corner of Person County, and they plunked down $12 million to buy it (see Dominion Buys Land for LNG Storage Facility in Person County, NC). Dominion calls the project the Moriah Energy Center. Anti-fossil fuel organizations have whipped up locals living in that area, telling them the chemicals that will be emitted from the facility will cause cancer (see Amped Up Locals Claim LNG Storage in NC Will Cause Cancer). Question: Would fenceline monitoring help assuage residents’ concerns?
Read More “NC Locals Seek Air Monitoring for Dominion LNG Storage Facility”
CNG/LNG | Industrywide Issues | North Carolina

Amped Up Locals Claim LNG Storage in NC Will Cause Cancer
August 6, 2024August 6, 2024

Artist rendering of Moriah Energy Center (click for larger version)

Dominion Energy wants to build a liquified natural gas (LNG) storage facility in Person County, North Carolina, to enhance natural gas service reliability for residential and business customers in the growing region (see NC Residents Freak Out Over Proposed Dominion LNG Storage Tank). Dominion studied several potential sites and collected a boatload of data during the site selection process, including but not limited to construction feasibility, minimizing landowner impacts, connection to Dominion’s existing natural gas system, and avoiding environmentally sensitive areas. Ultimately, Dominion selected a 504-acre site in the southeast corner of Person County, and they plunked down $12 million to buy it (see Dominion Buys Land for LNG Storage Facility in Person County, NC). Dominion calls the project the Moriah Energy Center. Anti-fossil fuel organizations have whipped up locals living in that area, telling them the chemicals that will be emitted from the facility will cause cancer.
Read More “Amped Up Locals Claim LNG Storage in NC Will Cause Cancer”
Energy Services | Equitrans/EQT Midstream | Industrywide Issues | North Carolina | Pipelines | Virginia

Radical Left Signals New Focus to Block MVP Southgate Project
June 24, 2024June 24, 2024

They lost, and we won for the 303-mile Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) project. “They” means the radical environmental left (nutters who irrationally hate all fossil energy, including natural gas), and “us” means those who support the common sense use of fossil energy and projects like MVP. According to the left, the next battleground is to block the construction of an extension of MVP called Southgate. The left will always tell you what they are planning. You only have to listen and have the courage to believe them.
Read More “Radical Left Signals New Focus to Block MVP Southgate Project”
Anti-Drilling/Fossil Fuel | CNG/LNG | Dominion Energy | Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | Litigation | North Carolina

Big Green Uses Locals to Sue Dominion re NC LNG Storage Tank
May 3, 2024May 3, 2024

Dominion Energy wants to build a liquified natural gas (LNG) storage facility in Person County, North Carolina, to enhance natural gas service reliability for residential and business customers in the growing region (see NC Residents Freak Out Over Proposed Dominion LNG Storage Tank). Dominion studied several potential sites and collected a boatload of data during the site selection process, including but not limited to construction feasibility, minimizing landowner impacts, connection to Dominion’s existing natural gas system, and avoiding environmentally sensitive areas. Ultimately, Dominion selected a 504-acre site in the southeast corner of Person County, and they plunked down $12 million to buy it (see Dominion Buys Land for LNG Storage Facility in Person County, NC). Last December, Person County commissioners voted to approve rezoning for the facility over the objections of shrill antis (see Person County, NC Votes to Approve Dominion LNG Storage Facility). The radicals from the Southern Coalition for Social Justice are now suing to reverse the rezoning.
Read More “Big Green Uses Locals to Sue Dominion re NC LNG Storage Tank”
Anti-Drilling/Fossil Fuel | Energy Services | Equitrans/EQT Midstream | Industrywide Issues | Litigation | North Carolina | Pipelines | Virginia

Antis Ask DC Circuit to Cancel FERC Time Extension for MVP Southgate
April 25, 2024April 25, 2024

In 2018, Equitrans Midstream, the builder of the 303-mile Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP), proposed to extend MVP (when it’s done) by an extra 75 miles from the current terminus in Pittsylvania County, VA, to Alamance County, NC, to provide natural gas for heating and electric generation. The 75-mile extension is called MVP Southgate. Last year, Equitrans asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to extend Southgate’s project timeline an extra three years. FERC agreed in December (see FERC Approves MVP Southgate Request for 3-Yr Extension to Build). A group of extreme left anti-fossil fuel organizations are now challenging that time extension in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia (DC Circuit).
Read More “Antis Ask DC Circuit to Cancel FERC Time Extension for MVP Southgate”
Enbridge | Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | North Carolina | Pipelines | Regulation | Virginia

FERC Approves East Tenn. NatGas System Alignment in NC, TN, VA
March 27, 2024March 27, 2024

Last week, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved an Enbridge project to update its East Tennessee Natural Gas (ETNG) pipeline system. The project is referred to as the ETNG System Alignment Program Project, a project that heretofore was not on our radar screen. ETNG plans to add two electric compressor stations and pipeline capacity in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. In what has become a typical pattern, FERC Chairman Willie Phillips (Democrat) and Commissioner Mark Christie (Republican) voted to approve the project. Radicalized Commissioner Allison Clements (Democrat, former NRDC attorney) voted against approving the project.
Read More “FERC Approves East Tenn. NatGas System Alignment in NC, TN, VA”