Cooper awaits NC energy bill that gets final legislator OK

A landmark energy measure for North Carolina that aims to dramatically reduce power plant greenhouse gas emissions has received final legislative approval and now heads to Gov. Roy Cooper's desk for his expected signature. The House voted on Thursday for the consensus legislation, which passed the Senate on Wednesday. The negotiated agreement instructs the North Carolina Utilities Commission to draw up a plan by the end of next year to meet carbon dioxide reduction goals that Cooper has championed. The bill also allows Duke Energy to seek multiyear rate increases and performance-based earnings incentives.