Duke Energy has secured approval for its Green Source Advantage Choice (GSA-C) program in North Carolina, aimed at large business customers seeking to enhance their renewable energy usage. This initiative allows these customers to supplement their electricity consumption with 100% renewable energy, building on the foundation laid by the earlier Green Source Advantage program.
Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina state president, emphasized that the program reflects the outcome of stakeholder discussions initiated in 2022, highlighting a commitment to creating a solution that aligns with customer needs and regulatory standards.
The GSA program enables large nonresidential clients to offset their power needs by sourcing renewable energy from new projects connected to Duke Energy’s grid. The GSA-C program significantly expands this offering, increasing the available capacity to 5,000 megawatts (MW)—more than five times what was previously offered.
This growth aims to meet the rising demand from businesses for sustainable energy solutions, demonstrating Duke Energy’s responsiveness to the market’s evolving landscape.
Duke Energy Launches Expanded Green Source Advantage Choice Program to Boost Renewable Energy for Large Businesses
Among the key features of the GSA-C program are new billing options and the ability for customers to align their entire energy usage with renewable sources. It operates as a voluntary initiative, fully funded by participating customers, which means there is no additional cost for those opting out.
This approach allows Duke Energy to promote renewable energy adoption while ensuring that non-participating customers are not financially affected, reinforcing the program’s inclusive nature.
Another significant aspect of GSA-C is the flexibility it offers to large business customers in selecting and negotiating terms with renewable suppliers. Participants can secure Clean Energy Environmental Attributes (CEEAs), which include renewable energy certificates (RECs) and carbon emission reduction credits.
Additionally, customers can opt to integrate battery storage into their renewable facilities, allowing for enhanced energy management. The program also provides flexibility in contract lengths, promoting tailored arrangements between customers and developers.
While the GSA-C program has been met with some skepticism—critics argue it may allow businesses to finance projects that Duke Energy is already obligated to build—the program has received regulatory approval and aims to accelerate new solar projects by at least two years.
In line with its commitment to renewable energy, Duke Energy plans to introduce a community solar initiative called Clean Energy Connection later this year, offering customers more ways to meet their sustainability goals and further solidifying the company’s role in the clean energy transition.
