July 29, 2025
RALEIGH – The John Locke Foundation commends the North Carolina General Assembly for overriding Governor Stein’s veto of the Power Bill Reduction Act (SB 266), ensuring that North Carolinians are protected from rising utility costs driven by unchecked energy mandates.
“By overriding this veto, the General Assembly is standing up for energy affordability and sound economic policy,” said Donald Bryson, President and CEO of the John Locke Foundation. “North Carolinians deserve an energy strategy that prioritizes cost, reliability, and transparency — not one driven by expensive, arbitrary mandates.”
The Power Bill Reduction Act requires the North Carolina Utilities Commission to consider affordability, reliability, and technological feasibility when approving energy plans under House Bill 951 (2021). The act enhances transparency and mandates robust cost-benefit analysis of energy transition strategies.
Locke remains committed to promoting market-based energy reforms that prioritize reliability and affordability while rejecting costly ideological mandates.