The big news is public comment presumably twisted Duke Energy’s corporate arm into acceding and foregoing construction of a 45-mile transmission line between Campobello, SC and Asheville. The latest plan is to construct two smallish natural gas generators at the site of the existing coal plant, and bring a third, smaller one online by 2013 if the folks don’t get serious about conservation. A solar farm, on the same site, is also in the plans. Environmental activists are applauding the decision, which Duke says is not the best from a technical or fiscal perspective; but the most pragmatic in terms of making sure the needs of the masses are met.
by Leslee Kulba
Wild West blogger