Clean Energy Committee Calls for More Funding and Resources to Achieve 2035 Goals

# Clean Energy Committee Calls for More Funding and Resources to Achieve 2035 Goals

The Wilmington Clean Energy Committee has unanimously approved a motion requesting funding for an engineering study on carbon reduction strategies, citing concerns that recent state legislation could jeopardize the city's ability to meet its 2035 clean energy goals.

During their recent meeting, committee members expressed alarm over Senate Bill 266, which eliminated Duke Energy's interim carbon reduction target of 70% by 2030, while maintaining the utility's 2050 carbon reduction goal.

"We as a city, we need to start putting money towards doing these energy studies, putting out long-term plans and going after some of these energy efficient opportunities if we are going to still hold to our existing goals," said committee member PJ Klein. "We have 10 years, less than 10 years, and it shouldn't be very hard for us."

The committee's motion specifically calls for an engineering study to examine carbon reduction strategies including energy efficiency measures, renewable onsite generation, and virtual power purchase agreements. Members estimated such a study could cost between $20,000 and $50,000 for preliminary work, with a more detailed analysis potentially reaching $100,000.

Committee member Rich Smith emphasized that the city should maintain its environmental commitments despite legislative changes. "Just because something gets harder doesn't mean that we should give up on it," Smith said.

The city is currently at approximately 48% clean energy, according to documents provided to the committee, with most of that progress coming from the electrical grid rather than city initiatives.

Committee members also noted that energy efficiency investments could provide financial benefits. "The energy efficiency is like it ends up putting money back in your pocket," one member pointed out, suggesting the possibility of a "self-sustaining fund" where savings from efficiency projects could fund future initiatives.

The committee was informed that other North Carolina municipalities with clean energy goals, including Durham, Huntersville, and Cary, are facing similar challenges due to the new legislation. The North Carolina League of Municipalities is reportedly working to coordinate responses across affected cities.

The committee also received an update that the Fleet EV transition study is progressing, with completion expected in spring of next year, approximately 8-10 months from now.