For months, the most important regulatory development North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have been following is the Clean Power Plan proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This proposal sought to reduce carbon emissions from power plants nationwide by making power plants more efficient, switching from coal generation to natural gas or renewable generation, and using energy efficiency measures to reduce electricity demand.

Since the Clean Power Plan was first proposed, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have been working to develop a plan for contributing to North Carolina’s compliance efforts under the Clean Power Plan, reduce the impact the Clean Power Plan has on power bills, and protect North Carolina’s electric cooperatives’ ability to provide electric power whenever needed.

On Feb. 9, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered that the implementation of the Clean Power Plan be put on hold until legal challenges are resolved. A federal appeals court has scheduled arguments on its legality for June. Although it could be mid-2017 or later before the final decision, it is an important development because it will provide guidance on whether the EPA has authority to require states to comply with the Clean Power Plan.

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have always valued a diverse and environmentally responsible power portfolio that includes nuclear, natural gas and renewables. More than half of the power provided by North Carolina’s electric cooperatives comes from emissions-free nuclear energy. NC electric cooperatives offer members a range of energy-saving options, including pay as you go and budgeting billing, usage alerts, and energy management tools such as SmartHub. Many of the state’s electric cooperatives are now offering community solar to members. Read more about the energy innovations North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are offering in “Innovation: an expectation shared by cooperatives & members.”

As this issue works its way through the courts, NC electric cooperatives will continue to work with policy leaders on energy issues affecting members. The goal is to ensure that regulations and legislation support a balanced portfolio and allow the electric cooperatives to continue to provide safe, affordable and reliable power in an environmentally responsible way.