Duke Energy, the nation’s largest provider of electricity, is making news again.  But, it’s not exactly what anyone would call a public relations dream scenario.

Walt Mack

Walt Mack

In May, the Charlotte-based utility pleaded guilty to nine violations of the Federal Clean Water Act.  The firm admitted illegally discharging coal ash pollution from five of its North Carolina power plants.

Jeff Danner explains the Duke Energy coal ash spill

As a result, it paid $102 million in fines and restitution.

Now, Duke Energy is charging NC Warn, a non-profit environmental group, with illegally delivering solar power to a church in Greensboro, North Carolina.  And North Carolina is one of only five states that gives utilities the exclusive rights to selling solar electricity direct to consumers.

Despite the minuscule amounts of electricity involved, Duke has pushed ahead anyway, invoking state law that prohibits third party sales of solar electricity.

Duke may feel its profits are being eroded by private solar producers, since North Carolina ranks second (only behind in California), in the amount of solar electricity generated by home-owners, farmers, and businesses.

Listen to Walt Mack’s Commentary

But, that’s less than one percent of the solar electricity produced in the state.

Small potatoes for the energy giant.

Also, Duke Energy’s third quarter earnings took a big hit as a result of weak performance in the international business, particularly with the hydroelectric plants in Brazil and Central America.

Perhaps, Duke Energy would be better served shifting its attention to the home front, right here in North Carolina, and concentrate on being an environmentally responsible corporate citizen.

This would be nice.

— Walt Mack

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