Data centers threaten energy affordability, NC task force says

By: Christine Zhu

Outlets: North Carolina Newsline

Published: February 17, 2026

Words: 586

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 6 days ago

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Data centers account for about 80% of Duke Energy’s projected energy demand, according to a report from Gov. Josh Stein’s North Carolina Energy Policy Task Force.

The report found that data centers have “uniquely high energy needs” compared to traditional users like manufacturing, chemicals, life sciences, food and beverage, and aerospace industries.

Created by Stein in August 2025, the bipartisan task force released its interim report on Sunday. The group tackled recommendations for …

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