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Duke Energy

Climate Resilience and Adaptation

Climate Resilience & Adaptation

Future Climate Projections & Vulnerabilities of the Carolinas Transmission & Distribution System

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Overview

Our promise to provide consistent, affordable and reliable services to customers means our system must become more resilient in the face of climate change. This includes preparing for the dynamic, ongoing impacts of climate change. We see the coming challenges and we are taking action now. We know you’re counting on Duke Energy to meet these challenges and continue providing reliable energy.

Our purpose

This study was initiated to develop a robust set of recommendations for potential Transmission and Distribution system upgrades based on an understanding of the range of potential impacts of climate change on our Carolinas’ transmission and distribution system. Our goals are to develop a flexible adaptation framework and to provide meaningful opportunities for stakeholder input and engagement.

Goals and Objectives

The Climate Risk and Resilience Study assesses the physical risks of climate change and extreme weather on our Transmission & Distribution System in the Carolinas. While occurring in the context of other efforts the company is undertaking around mitigation and innovation. As shown in the graphic below, this study specifically focuses on adapting to the physical risk presented by changes in hazards like extreme heat, flooding, and wind. Additional efforts the company is undertaking to mitigate other Climate-related risks are described in the Climate Report.

study focus: physical risk


Our Climate Risk and Resilience Study of the Carolinas has two main goals:

  • To assess potential vulnerabilities of our current transmission and distribution system to the effects of climate change and extreme weather, if we took no actions to mitigate impacts.
  • To develop an achievable plan with a flexible framework that will address these potential negative impacts through adaptive action.

ICF, an independent third-party consultant selected for this study, led the research and analysis, working throughout the process with Duke Energy subject matter experts across the company. The result was a series of transparent discussions, interviews, meetings, workshops, and comments that yielded valuable information.

stakeholder inputs