Duke Energy has submitted a final license application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) seeking to extend operations at the 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. A decision from FERC is expected before that date.
The Bad Creek station, which has operated since 1991, functions as the largest energy storage resource on Duke Energy’s system by moving water between two reservoirs at different elevations. This allows it to generate and store large amounts of electricity as needed. The facility serves nearly 860,000 retail electric customers across South Carolina and plays a key role in meeting rising energy demand as the state continues to grow.
Duke Energy recently completed upgrades at Bad Creek, increasing its total generating capacity by 320 megawatts of carbon-free energy for a new total of 1,680 megawatts. These improvements are part of broader investments by the company aimed at supporting economic development and maintaining reliable service for its expanding customer base.
Over 70 stakeholders were consulted during the process leading up to the new license application.
U.S. Rep. Sheri Biggs stated: “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 supplies electricity to approximately 2.9 million customers in North Carolina and South Carolina with an energy capacity totaling about 20,800 megawatts across its service area.
Duke Energy serves more than 8 million electric utility customers across six states and owns over 55,000 megawatts of energy capacity nationwide. The company continues investing in grid upgrades and cleaner forms of generation—including nuclear power, renewables such as wind and solar, natural gas plants, and additional energy storage—to improve reliability while transitioning toward lower-carbon sources (https://www.duke-energy.com/our-company/about-us).
More information can be found at duke-energy.com or through their social media channels.
