Regulators Approve Duke Energy's Proposal for New Natural Gas Generation

The Public Service Commission of South Carolina (PSCSC) has approved plans by Duke Energy to construct new natural gas generation in Anderson County, a project company officials said will help support the energy needs of a growing region while significantly contributing to the community's economic success in the years ahead.

The approval comes after a public process that included a public hearing in Anderson before the PSCSC.

In addition, Duke Energy invited members of the community to participate in two open house events where company experts shared details of the project, answered questions and collected feedback.

Why it matters: South Carolina is one of the fastest growing states in the nation. As populations grow and businesses relocate to or expand in the state, company officials said new and diverse sources of energy are needed to power that growth. That's why, the officials said, state leaders enacted the Energy Security Act in 2025, to provide a comprehensive path forward for energy policy that will guide South Carolina's continued success for many years to come.

Committing to building this modern energy facility in Anderson County is a critical piece of that strong energy future for the region, Duke Energy officials said.

According to a survey by Ernst & Young, the project is expected to support more than 2,200 jobs annually during the multi-year construction period, with 746 construction jobs located in Anderson County. Once operational, the facility is projected to have an annual $84 million impact statewide, supporting 125 jobs and $10 million in annual labor income. 

Duke Energy officials said the project will be one of the most efficient natural gas plants on Duke Energy's system and will include state-of-the-art environmental control technologies to minimize plant emissions. The facility will use 90 percent less water than traditional wet cooling technology, will not have a vapor plume, will eliminate the need to treat water chemically, and will have a longer life span than prior natural gas technology.

Central Electric Power Cooperative and North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation will own 95 megawatts (MW) and 100 MW, respectively, of the combined cycle's approximate 1,365 MW nominal capacity.

Construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2027 and the facility would serve customers by early 2031.

Additional details about the project can be found here.

Said Gov. Henry McMaster: "As South Carolina continues to attract new businesses and new residents at a record pace, the need for dependable energy has never been more urgent. Duke Energy has long been a strong partner in our state, and this project reflects the kind of forward-thinking planning that will ensure we meet those needs with reliable, efficient power for years to come."

"We appreciate the commission's recognition that the Anderson County combined cycle natural gas power plant is the right resource at the right time at the right site,” said Duke Energy South Carolina President Tim Pearson. “Adding proven new natural gas technology to the electric grid acknowledges and responds to the efforts of state leaders to address tremendous electricity generation needs as part of a reliable and diverse energy mix that includes new and existing nuclear technology, renewables, battery storage, additional natural gas and energy efficiency programs."