Pollinators

Pollinating animals such as birds, bees, butterflies, bats, beetles and other small mammals play a crucial role in the vitality of healthy ecosystems. Pollination occurs when pollen is moved within flowers or carried from flower to flower by pollinating animals or by the wind. The transfer of pollen in and between flowers of the same species leads to fertilization, and successful seed and fruit production for plants.

Between 75% and 95% of all pollinating plants need help with pollination – and many pollinator populations are in decline, due in part to a loss of nesting and feeding habitats. 

Duke Energy has been involved in countless wildlife stewardship projects on our rights of way, generation facilities, renewable energy facilities and other properties for many years. We’ve maintained and increased pollinator habitats across our service territory in a manner that is ecologically beneficial to pollinator species while maintaining, supporting and improving our business operations. 

We have also partnered with state and federal agencies, NGOs, utilities and other special interest groups on a wide range of pollinator projects. One example is the decrease of the monarch butterfly, which is now protected under the Endangered Species Act by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Since pollinator plants are native and often naturally occurring in our rights of way, by removing unwanted woody stems and allowing more sunlight to the landscape, we have greatly increased our pollinator acreage.

Through our Candidate Conservation Agreement with the USFWS, Duke Energy commits to creating and preserving monarch butterfly habitats. With sustainability as a top priority for Duke Energy, the pollinator stewardship program will continue to strength our ability to create a cleaner more and environmentally friendly future for our customers.