North Carolina establishes Energy Policy Task Force for load growth

Governor Josh Stein established the Energy Policy Task Force to strengthen energy infrastructure and affordability in North Carolina.

• Energy Policy Task Force established by Governor Josh Stein, co-chaired by NC DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson and Representative Kyle Hall, comprises 30 energy experts and bi-partisan policymakers; it is staffed by the NC Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC), the NC Office of the Governor, NC DEQ, and the NC Department of Commerce. The task force is required to submit an annual report to the Governor, General Assembly, North Carolina Utilities Commission, North Carolina Rural Electrification Authority, and the public; it released an interim report on Feb 15, 2026 and will provide a more detailed report on or before Feb 15, 2027.

• The task force has two subcommittees—Load Growth Subcommittee and Technical Advisory Subcommittee—and has held meetings on Sept 30, 2025; Dec 2, 2025; Jan 22, 2026; Feb 3 & Feb 10, 2026; and Apr 8, 2026. Presenters and contributors included LBNL, SEPA, CESA, Indiana Office of Energy Development, Virginia State Corporation Commission, David Gardiner and Associates, and Microsoft (which discussed its “Community-First AI Infrastructure Plan”). The interim report contains nine preliminary recommendations (including large load tariffs, BYOC, interconnection reforms, and data center energy/water reporting); the Technical Advisory Subcommittee plans to release a technical modeling report within months.