Duke Energy has reached a settlement with Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and the US Department of Defense to shift grid infrastructure costs to large-load customers. The agreement, signed on October 7, 2026, aims to protect North Carolina households from expenses related to rising electricity demand from data centers.
The policy targets customers requiring 50 MW or more at an 80% load factor. For contracts signed after June 1, 2026, these companies must make nonrefundable upfront payments for dedicated facilities and cover a portion of broader grid costs through deposits and security arrangements.
New terms include a minimum monthly bill set at 75% of projected demand, ensuring payment even if actual usage is lower. Additionally, early termination fees for these contracts are set between $25 million and over $587 million, depending on the specific contract length and demand requirements.
The North Carolina Utilities Commission must still approve the agreement, with a decision expected by mid-November 2026. This settlement expands upon protections established in 2024 and aligns with the federal Ratepayer Protection Pledge issued in July 2026.
