Duke Energy settlement makes data centers pay upfront grid costs

Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress reached a settlement with the North Carolina Public Staff, Amazon, Google, Meta and Microsoft requiring data centers and large loads of 50 MW or more to pay upfront for grid connection and post deposits for upgrades. State regulators are expected to decide by mid-November 2026.

• Large-load threshold cut from 100 MW to 50 MW at an 80% load factor
• Connection costs are nonrefundable and paid upfront; upgrades need deposits
• Terms apply to electric service agreements signed after June 1, 2026
• North Carolina Utilities Commission decision expected by mid-November 2026