FERC Approves Duke Energy Carolinas Transmission Tariff Measures

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved large load transmission tariff measures proposed by Duke Energy Carolinas on a 4-1 vote. The approved provisions establish rate treatment and financial security requirements for network upgrades driven by large loads, and mandate shortfall payments for loads of 100 MW or larger. During the approval, David Rosner noted that the utility’s previous rules lacked cost-shift protections for residential and small business customers.

The decision establishes new financial security requirements for large-load-driven network upgrades across the transmission system. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission also urged Duke Energy Carolinas and other transmission owners to take further steps to protect existing customers from costs associated with large loads, such as data centers.