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iL <br /> through the basegrid service mix or participation in additional customer programs. Duke Energy's <br /> renewable grid mix of 14% in the Carbon Policy scenario is too low for local governments to reach our J <br /> renewable energy targets.Accordingly,the undersigned request the Commission consider our collective <br /> goals when reviewing the proposed scenarios and as needed, request Duke Energy to utilize additional <br /> renewable energy resources or develop subsequent customer programs that allow local governments lL <br /> to reach stated goals. 0 <br /> Given the significant portion of our communities that are confronted with energy burden as referenced <br /> above,the undersigned believe that it is ever more important to increase renewable energy procurements <br /> and collaborate on removing barriers to Low and Moderate Income (LMI) programs. We look <br /> forward to collaborating with and supporting Duke Energy in the design and implementation of p <br /> renewable energy programs such as new local renewable resources for municipal load and 014 <br /> community-wide load, as well as community solar offerings with an emphasis on low-income 04 <br /> customers. -0 <br /> 0) <br /> 4. Conduct a robust technological and economic analysis of the transmission LL <br /> investments needed to enable more renewables in future portfolios. <br /> A reliable and cost-effective electric grid distribution and transmission infrastructure is critical to enabling <br /> a dramatic increase in renewable energy generation in North Carolina. Conventional power systems <br /> planning and Duke's analysis suggest that significant investments in the transmission system are necessary <br /> to enable higher penetrations of renewable energy.The undersigned local governments encourage a cost- <br /> effective and systematic transmission expansion approach that enables a cleaner electricity system that <br /> includes potential transmission upgrades and has transparent assumptions. There should also be more <br /> consideration of the potential transmission benefits of operating DEC and DEP as a single balancing <br /> authority or the impact of North Carolina's commitment to the SMART-POWER memorandum. Thus,the <br /> undersigned recommend that Duke Energy undertake a more comprehensive and robust technological <br /> and economic analysis, including a substantial investigation of potential transmission alternatives,the <br /> repurposing of existing transmission corridors,and the economies of scale gained through large utility- <br /> scale renewable projects or joint balancing area planning. <br /> 5. Reassess EV penetration rate and take a proactive approach to growing electrical <br /> load through transportation electrification offerings. <br /> Transportation electrification paired with clean energy portfolios will support the undersigned local <br /> governments' decarbonization goals and is in the public interest. Electrification will also provide value to <br /> Duke Energy through new revenue streams for the utility to grow its profits, as noted in the IRP. In the <br /> IRP, the assumed electric vehicle penetration rate is 7.3% by 2035, which might be too conservative, <br /> given major automakers' ambitious EV efforts and Governor Cooper's Executive Order 80 goals. The <br /> undersigned commend Duke Energy's efforts through the Electric Transportation Pilot Program, <br /> approved by the Commission in December 2020 and encourage them to build on that pilot to hasten <br /> the adoption of EVs. The undersigned recommend Duke Energy consider automakers' EV rollouts <br /> and Governor Cooper's Executive Order 80 to better forecast EV penetration, improve utility <br /> planning, and actively promote EV adoption through incentives and rate design. <br /> 5 <br />