CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Duke Energy Carolinas has issued a “Request for Proposals” (RFP) seeking bids for power generated from renewable energy sources, including sun, wind, water, organic matter and others.

“At Duke Energy, we are committed to doing more to develop and use renewable energy,” said Ellen Ruff, president, Duke Energy Carolinas. “The responses we receive to this RFP, which is open to a wide array of renewable energy, will add to our understanding of the existing options and emerging opportunities to increase the amount of green power available for our customers’ use.”

Broader use of renewable energy is part of Duke Energy’s comprehensive plan to create a sustainable energy future for the Carolinas while the company continues to work to reduce its environmental footprint. The plan includes building new power plants; developing robust energy efficiency programs to reduce demand; and supporting the development of state and federal energy policies that encourage the development of new technology. Together, these initiatives will allow Duke Energy to meet customers’ growing need for power in an environmentally sound way.

The RFP is specifically designed for renewable sources and recognizes some of their unique operating characteristics. The minimum capacity requirement for a potential supplier is only two megawatts, and the resource can be intermittent in nature.

The company is looking for resources that can be connected to the utility’s power delivery system and be operational by Jan. 1, 2012. Bids must come from providers who are new (placed in service since Jan. 1, 2007) or have already been qualified as suppliers by NC Green Power. NC Green Power is an independent, non-profit program that encourages the development of electricity generated from renewable energy and uses voluntary contributions to pay a premium to renewable suppliers.

Duke Energy is interested in talking with potential suppliers about purchased power agreements, purchasing a generating facility, or purchased power agreements with the option to buy the facility. 

A full copy of the “Request for Proposal for Renewable Energy Resources,” can
be found at http://www.duke-energy.com/environment/renewable-energy.asp. Over the next several months proposals will be submitted, evaluated and negotiated.

Duke Energy Corp., one of the largest electric power companies in the United States, supplies and delivers energy to approximately 3.9 million U.S. customers. The company has nearly 37,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity in the Midwest and the Carolinas, and natural gas distribution services in Ohio and Kentucky. In addition, Duke Energy has more than 4,000 megawatts of electric generation in Latin America, and is a joint-venture partner in a U.S. real estate company.

Duke Energy's Carolinas operations include nuclear, coal-fired, natural gas and hydroelectric generation. That diverse fuel mix provides nearly 21,000 megawatts of safe, reliable and competitively priced electricity to more than 2.2 million electric customers in a 22,000-square-mile service area of North Carolina and South Carolina.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 500 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available on the Internet at: www.duke-energy.com.

The South Carolina Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) hosted “The Future of Renewable Energy in South Carolina,” on January 3, 2007, in Myrtle Beach. The event educated participants on the future of renewable energy sources, such as bio-diesel, ethanol, and green power. 
           
Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Land, Water and Conservation and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries divisions work together to help farmers improve agricultural efficiency and wildlife habitat on South Carolina's farmlands. Get contact information for your local Soil and Water District>>>. Von Snelgrove, conservation districts chief with DNR, is the current president of the S.C. chapter.
           
Confirmed speakers include representatives from the South Carolina Energy Office, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, Santee-Cooper’s Green Power Program, and the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service. Topics will focus on how South Carolina farmers can capitalize on the growing national movement toward ethanol-blended fuels. Federal and state financial incentives available for producers who use renewable energy sources will also be discussed.The Soil and Water Conservation Society is an international, multidisciplinary association of professional and concerned individuals. SWCS fosters the development and application of science-based policies and practices for managing soil, water, and related natural resources in order to achieve sustainability. Through education and example, SWCS promotes an ethic that recognizes the interdependence of people and the environment.