Regulator Absent as Duke Energy’s Future Hangs in Balance

Duke Energy’s push to meet North Carolina’s climate goals is hitting a major snag: key regulator Donald van der Vaart, a politically appointed commissioner known for backing coal, hasn’t attended any hearings — and when he skipped the first round, clean energy advocates and business groups immediately objected to his ability to vote. As the commission weighs Duke’s carbon plan and potential rate hikes, his absence is raising serious questions about transparency and fairness in the state’s energy future. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/d5c9b00487bf3752