Governor Stein’s Initiatives Aim to Keep Energy Costs Low and Promote Clean Energy
Amid growing concerns over energy costs, Governor Josh Stein has reiterated his dedication to maintaining affordable electricity prices. In a collaborative effort, he and a bipartisan assembly of governors, alongside the Department of Energy and the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC), have endorsed a Statement of Principles concerning the PJM electricity market, which includes regions of northeastern North Carolina.
“I am committed to keeping electricity cost as low as possible for families,” said Governor Josh Stein. “That means making sure data centers pay their fair share for the electricity they require to be generated. I applaud the US Department of Energy for this initiative and remain committed to making life as affordable as possible for North Carolinians.”
The Statement of Principles outlines strategies to shield households and small enterprises from capacity price hikes, assure equitable distribution of new capacity costs to data centers without their own power solutions, enhance load forecasting, and reinstate the PJM market’s fundamental principles.
Governor Stein’s agenda focuses on reducing energy costs for residents, cutting down North Carolina’s carbon dependency, and fostering the state’s clean energy sector. This commitment has attracted international investments, amounting to $4.9 billion and creating over 15,000 jobs in clean energy and technology sectors since he took office. Notably, JetZero announced a historic job commitment at Piedmont Triad International Airport for manufacturing high-efficiency, low-emission aircraft.
In January, the Governor introduced Energy Saver NC, an initiative aimed at promoting energy efficiency by offering rebates for energy-efficient appliances, improved home insulation, and upgraded electrical systems. Governor Stein is also focused on building robust energy infrastructure following Hurricane Helene’s impact.
In August, an executive order by Governor Stein led to the creation of the North Carolina Energy Policy Task Force. This task force is tasked with advising on policies to enhance the state’s clean energy economy, manage growing electricity demand, and ensure affordability, reliability, and carbon emission reductions. The task force is expected to release its initial annual report by February 15, addressing the Governor, the General Assembly, the North Carolina Utilities Commission, the North Carolina Rural Electrification Authority, and the public.
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