Duke Energy has submitted a final license application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) seeking to extend operations at its Bad Creek Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Station in Oconee County, South Carolina, for another 50 years. The facility, which has been operating since 1991, is the largest pumped storage hydro station on Duke Energy’s system and plays a key role in storing and delivering energy.
Pumped storage hydro plants work by moving water between two reservoirs at different elevations, allowing them to store and generate energy as needed. The Bad Creek station was recently upgraded, increasing its total capacity to 1,680 megawatts with an additional 320 megawatts of carbon-free energy added to the system.
Duke Energy serves nearly 860,000 retail electric customers across South Carolina and is focused on extending the operational life of existing facilities like Bad Creek as well as its nuclear fleet. This approach supports ongoing economic growth in the state and helps meet rising electricity demand.
The company consulted with more than 70 stakeholders before submitting its application for a new license that would take effect after the current one expires in July 2027. A decision from FERC is expected before that date.
U.S. Rep. Sheri Biggs stated: “Bad Creek is a cornerstone of South Carolina’s energy infrastructure and a testament to the kind of smart, long-term investment our state needs. I’m proud to support Duke Energy’s efforts to extend operations at this critical facility. This project will help power our communities, support economic growth, and ensure a reliable, affordable energy future for families and businesses across the Upstate.”
Tim Pearson, President of Duke Energy South Carolina, said: “Extending the life of this ‘marvel in the mountain’ has been a significant part of our planning for the future for many years. Our commitment to keep a proven asset like Bad Creek online for decades to come while also bringing a diverse portfolio of new generating resources to the grid reflects the direction our state’s leaders have made clear is the right path forward to support a reliable, affordable and resilient energy future for South Carolina.”
Duke Energy Carolinas owns 20,800 megawatts of capacity and supplies electricity across North Carolina and South Carolina. Its parent company serves millions of customers across several states and continues investing in grid upgrades and cleaner generation sources such as natural gas, nuclear power, renewables, and energy storage (https://www.duke-energy.com/our-company/about-us).
More information about Duke Energy can be found at their website (https://news.duke-energy.com/) or through their social media channels.
