Duke Energy announced on Mar. 26 that the Public Service Commission of South Carolina has approved its plans to build a new natural gas generation facility in Anderson County. The company said construction is expected to begin in summer 2027, with the plant projected to serve customers by early 2031.
The project comes as South Carolina experiences rapid population and business growth, increasing demand for reliable energy sources. State leaders enacted the Energy Security Act in 2025 to provide a long-term policy framework, and this plant is the first approved under that legislation.
According to Duke Energy, the combined cycle facility will be one of its most efficient natural gas plants and will use advanced environmental control technologies. The company said it will consume 90% less water than traditional wet cooling systems and eliminate chemical water treatment needs. Once operational, it is expected to have an $84 million annual economic impact statewide, supporting more than 125 jobs and generating $10 million in labor income each year.
Governor Henry McMaster said, “As South Carolina continues to attract new businesses and new residents at a record pace, the need for dependable energy has never been more urgent. Duke Energy has long been a strong partner in our state, and this project reflects the kind of forward-thinking planning that will ensure we meet those needs with reliable, efficient power for years to come.” Speaker of the House Murrell Smith added, “Today’s approval of Duke Energy’s new facility in Anderson County shows South Carolina is growing the right way… This project will create thousands of construction jobs, generate millions in local tax revenue, and reflects the impact of the Energy Security Act in securing our future.”
Central Electric Power Cooperative and North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation are set to own portions of the plant’s capacity—95 megawatts (MW) and 100 MW respectively—out of an approximate total capacity of 1,365 MW.
Tim Pearson, president of Duke Energy South Carolina said: “We appreciate the commission’s recognition that the Anderson County combined cycle natural gas power plant is the right resource at the right time at the right site. Adding proven new natural gas technology to the electric grid acknowledges and responds to efforts…to address tremendous electricity generation needs as part of a reliable and diverse energy mix…”
Duke Energy Carolinas serves about 2.9 million customers across North Carolina and South Carolina with nearly 20,800 megawatts capacity. Parent company Duke Energy operates across several states serving millions with both electric utilities (8.6 million customers) and natural gas utilities (1.7 million customers).
