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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: February 2, 2021 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 8-h <br /> SUBJECT: Public Comment Submission to the NC Utilities Commission on Duke Energy's <br /> 2020 Integrated Resource Plan <br /> DEPARTMENT: Asset Management Services <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Draft NC Local Government Duke IRP Brennan Bouma, (919) 245-2626 <br /> Letter <br /> PURPOSE: To: <br /> • Authorize the Chair to sign a letter created in collaboration with several other NC local <br /> governments with recommendations for Duke Energy's 2020 Integrated Resource Plan <br /> (IRP); and <br /> • Direct staff to join with other local governments in submitting a single copy of the letter <br /> signed by all interested local governments to the NC Utilities Commission during the period <br /> for initial public comments. <br /> BACKGROUND: Every two years, Duke Energy submits an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to <br /> communicate strategies for delivering reliable electricity at the lowest cost (typically a 10 to 20 <br /> year horizon). This is the first IRP that has been published since Duke Energy adopted a goal of <br /> net-zero carbon emissions from electric generation by 2050. This goal aligns with the goals that <br /> Orange County adopted in 2017 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions community-wide by 26% <br /> by 2025 and transition to a 100% renewable energy-based economy by 2050. <br /> Duke Energy's 2020 IRP models potential pathways to accelerate renewable energy deployment, <br /> and to facilitate this deployment reform of state policy is required. This is an opportunity to <br /> advocate for such reform. The North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) hosts statutory IRP <br /> reviews for approval, and is currently accepting public comments. The deadline for initial public <br /> comments is February 26, 2021. <br /> Acknowledging the critical role that utility partners play in the ongoing transition to renewable <br /> energy sources, and the alignment of Duke Energy's climate goals with those of local <br /> governments across the state, Orange County's sustainability staff joined with a group of <br /> sustainability staff from several other local governments to determine how to engage in the IRP <br /> process. This group met weekly to discuss shared interests and recommendations, and to write <br /> and revise the joint letter (attached). This group of staff benefitted from free technical assistance <br />