Duke will replace some coal generation with gas-fired power plants at two NC sites. Duke says the switch is necessary to maintain reliability.

Regulators in North Carolina have approved Duke Energy's plan to replace some of the utility's coal-fired units with natural gas-fired generation. The

Duke Energy is advancing its plan to build new natural-gas power plants in Person and Catawba counties, following state approval of pollution permits. The energy company claims these facilities will emit fewer pollutants than the coal plants they replace,

Both the North Carolina Utilities Commission and the Department of Environmental Quality have given Duke Energy key approvals for the utility to move ahead with plans to build new natural gas plants in Person and Catawba Counties.