Hold Duke accountable for planned gas plant

Upstate Forever is monitoring Duke Energy Carolinas' (DEC) efforts to build a 1,365 megawatt combined-cycle gas plant in Anderson County. The plant would be one of the largest new gas-fired power facilities in the Southeast.

The proposed site for the plant spans nearly 200 acres at Highway 81 South and True Temper Road, just miles from homes, businesses, schools, and places of worship. According to DEC’s application (see details in timeline below), construction could begin as early as summer 2027, with the plant projected to begin full operations by early 2031.

Map of the proposed gas plant in Anderson County, SC
Key: Purple - Proposed site location; Yellow - Existing transmission right of way; Black - Project area

dec's application to apProval timeline:

2024: the Public Service Commission (PSC) approved DEC’s integrated resource plan, known as the Carolinas Resource Plan, which serves as a roadmap for how the utility plans to generate electricity across their service territory. Integrated resource plans are typically updated every three years and identify generation resources and infrastructure investments needed to meet projected energy demand. DEC’s approved plan includes five new combined-cycle natural gas plants across the Carolinas, including a proposed facility in Anderson County.

2025: After the approval of their integrated resource plan, DEC, the North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation, and Central Electric Power Cooperative filed a joint application at the PSC on October 30, 2025 for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Convenience and Necessity, (as required under the Utility Facility Siting and Environmental Protection Act), to construct a 1,365 combined-cycle gas plant in Anderson County, SC. 

The case is recorded at the PSC under docket # 2025-250-E, where all filings, testimony, and orders are publicly available.

See DOCKET # 2025-250-E

Following a series of community listening sessions hosted with our partners and Anderson County residents in 2025, Upstate Forever formally intervened in the docket to advocate for meaningful safeguards and alternatives to protect South Carolina communities and the environment.

2026: The PSC held an evidentiary hearing on February 25, 2026, where DEC and intervening parties presented witness testimony and responded to questions from Commissioners ahead of issuing a final decision.

On April 24, 2026, the PSC issued its final order, approving DEC’ application. At this scale, the plant will be one of the largest new gas-fired power facilities in the Southeast. The order requires DEC to comply with all applicable Commission, State, and local government regulations related to the construction, operation, and maintenance of the plant. It also requires DEC to file quarterly updates with the Commission and the Office of Regulatory Staff on the project’s status, including progress in permitting, development, construction, and operations.

The PSC’s decision follows public testimony and written comments from Anderson County residents who raised concerns about potential air quality and environmental and public health implications for nearby communities. Despite these concerns, the Commission’s final order does not include any specific requirements aimed at mitigating potential air quality impacts. 

WATCH THE HEARING

The project is estimated to cost $3.2 billion. During the evidentiary hearing, DEC stated the plant would leverage existing transmission infrastructure and utilize air-cooled condensers to mitigate the plant's water usage.