Duke Energy has submitted a final license application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) seeking to extend operations at its Bad Creek Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Station in Oconee County, South Carolina, for another 50 years. The current operating license for the facility expires in July 2027. Duke Energy expects a decision from FERC before that date.
The Bad Creek station, which has operated since 1991, functions as the largest “battery” on Duke Energy’s system by storing and generating energy through water movement between two reservoirs at different elevations. This allows the plant to deliver large amounts of electricity when demand is high.
The company recently completed upgrades to all four units at Bad Creek, increasing its total capacity by 320 megawatts to reach 1,680 megawatts of carbon-free energy. These upgrades are part of Duke Energy’s broader strategy to maintain and enhance its generation fleet as it serves nearly 860,000 retail electric customers across South Carolina.
In preparing its relicensing proposal, Duke Energy consulted with more than 70 stakeholders. The company says this effort supports both state leaders’ goals and the region’s economic growth by keeping proven facilities like Bad Creek and existing nuclear plants operational while also adding new generation resources.
U.S. Rep. Sheri Biggs said: “Bad Creek is a cornerstone of South Carolina’s energy infrastructure and a testament to the kind of smart, long-term investment our state needs. I’m proud to support Duke Energy’s efforts to extend operations at this critical facility. This project will help power our communities, support economic growth, and ensure a reliable, affordable energy future for families and businesses across the Upstate.”
Duke Energy South Carolina President Tim Pearson stated: “Extending the life of this ‘marvel in the mountain’ has been a significant part of our planning for the future for many years. Our commitment to keep a proven asset like Bad Creek online for decades to come while also bringing a diverse portfolio of new generating resources to the grid reflects the direction our state’s leaders have made clear is the right path forward to support a reliable, affordable and resilient energy future for South Carolina.”
Duke Energy Carolinas supplies electricity across North Carolina and South Carolina with an energy capacity of 20,800 megawatts serving about 2.9 million customers over a service area spanning approximately 24,000 square miles.
Duke Energy is one of America’s largest energy holding companies with electric utilities serving around 8.6 million customers in six states and owning over 55,100 megawatts of capacity nationwide.
More information can be found at duke-energy.com or through their social media channels including X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
