North Carolina groups want Cooper to act against Duke Energy

RALEIGH, NC (AP) – Several environmental groups want Attorney General Roy Cooper to force Duke Energy to phase out North Carolina coal-fired plants and stop what they call practices discouraging energy competition and good government.

NC WARN’s attorney submitted to Cooper Wednesday an “emergency complaint” demanding investigation of the Charlotte-based utility. The groups argue Cooper should take Duke Energy to court and get its corporate charter amended to make it address a global climate crisis.

They contend Duke Energy pretends to support renewable energy when a small percentage of sales come from that method.

Duke Energy spokeswoman Paige Sheehan calls the complaint a gimmick and says the utility has done more than NC WARN to advance renewable energy and environmental protection.

Cooper’s office says the complaint will be reviewed.

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