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 current license for the facility expires in July 2027. If approved, the new license would allow the plant to continue operating through 2077.
The Bad Creek station, which has been in operation since 1991, functions as a pumped storage hydroelectric facility. It stores and generates energy by moving water between two reservoirs at different elevations and serves as the largest “battery” on Duke Energy’s system. This capability enables it to deliver significant amounts of electricity during periods of high demand.
Duke Energy recently completed upgrades to all four units at Bad Creek, increasing its total capacity by 320 megawatts to reach 1,680 megawatts of carbon-free energy. The company says this expansion supports efforts to meet growing electricity needs across South Carolina.
Duke Energy serves nearly 860,000 retail electric customers in South Carolina and is responsible for ensuring reliable power as population and economic activity increase in the state. In addition to developing new generation resources, Duke Energy aims to extend the operational life of existing facilities like Bad Creek and its nuclear fleet.
The company consulted with more than 70 stakeholders before submitting its application for a new license. A decision from FERC is expected before the current license expires in 2027.
U.S. Rep. Sheri Biggs commented on the project: “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 over 20,800 megawatts of capacity and supplies electricity across North Carolina and South Carolina. Parent company Duke Energy serves about 8.6 million electric customers across six states and operates more than 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity nationwide.
More information can be found at duke-energy.com and through Duke Energy’s official news channels.
