The North Carolina Utilities Public Staff is set to recommend to the commission approval of Duke Energy's two natural gas plants in Asheville. But the staff says the 3rd smaller plant Duke's hoping to get approved won't be necessary at this time. The utilities staff report is not the final say, only a recommendation. It will be presented to the commissioners on Monday. James McLawhorn is Director of the Electric Division for the Public Staff. He spoke with WCQS's Jeremy Loeb.
Duke Energy wants to replace its coal-fired plant at Lake Julian with two natural gas plants. They want a 3rd smaller plant later only if necessary but are hoping the commission will go ahead and approve it. A final decision from the utilities commission could come as soon as Monday.
