Critical
South Carolina Public Radio
Duke Energy has been awarded $50 million in federal funding to enhance grid infrastructure in South Carolina and North Carolina. The grant, part of the Department of Energy's $1.9 billion SPARK initiative, will support upgrades in Spartanburg, Greenville, Henderson, and Polk counties. These areas are experiencing rising energy demand due to population growth. Duke Energy plans to invest an additional $150 million, funded through company resources and customer rate increases, to complete its $200 million infrastructure improvement plan.
The upgrades aim to improve grid reliability and hurricane preparedness. This aligns with federal goals to modernize energy infrastructure and reduce costs for consumers.
Why it matters: Federal funding enables Duke Energy to accelerate grid upgrades in high-growth regions, enhancing its ability to meet demand and compete in a market increasingly focused on resilience and efficiency.