Duke Energy requests input on recreation opportunities along the Catawba-Wateree lakes and rivers

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) has announced the launch of a Recreation Use and Needs Study (RUNS) along the 11 lakes of the Catawba-Wateree River basin from March through October 2025. The mandatory decennial study aims to gather public feedback about Duke Energy-owned recreational and water access facilities.

The study encompasses all Duke Energy public recreation sites across multiple lakes including Lake James, Lake Norman, Lake Wylie, and others. The company has implemented traffic counters and stationed clerks to interview visitors, with QR codes posted at access areas for online surveys.

The study results will be submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in 2026. Duke Energy Carolinas, which owns 20,700 megawatts of energy capacity and serves 2.9 million customers across the Carolinas, is conducting this assessment as part of its commitment to maintaining public recreational facilities.

• A Recreation Use and Needs Study will be conducted from March through October
• Public invited to provide opinions and feedback on current water access areas and other recreational opportunities

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy will conduct a Recreation Use and Needs Study (RUNS) along the 11 lakes of the Catawba-Wateree River basin in which the company operates.

This study allows the public to provide feedback about the Duke Energy owned recreational and water access opportunities along the lakes and rivers. The study, which is required every 10 years, will run through Oct. 30. The next study will take place in 2035.

"At Duke Energy, we want to be a good neighbor. A part of doing that is providing opportunities to enjoy our shared water resource. With dozens of opportunities along the Catawba-Wateree, we want to hear from the public about what they enjoy and where there may be opportunities for improvement," said Christy Churchill, recreation manager for Duke Energy's Hydro and Lake Services team.

Included in the study are all Duke Energy owned public recreation sites at Lake James, Lake Rhodhiss, Lake Hickory, Lookout Shoals Lake, Lake Norman, Mountain Island Lake, Lake Wylie, Fishing Creek Reservoir, Great Falls Reservoir, Cedar Creek Reservoir and Lake Wateree.

As a part of the study, Duke Energy installed traffic and trail counters at each site as well as posted clerks on certain key days to interview visitors regarding their experiences while using Duke Energy access areas.

"We want the public to engage with us so we want to make this easy. QR codes to online surveys have been posted at each access area to allow users to participate," Churchill said. "Duke Energy values your feedback and encourages all users to provide input during the study."

The study results will be made available to the public and filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in 2026.

Duke Energy Carolinas
Duke Energy Carolinas, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 20,700 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2.9 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 24,000-square-mile service area in North Carolina and South Carolina.  

Duke Energy 
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. 

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage. 

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition. 

Contact: Ben Williamson
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

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SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

When will Duke Energy's (DUK) Recreation Use and Needs Study 2025 be completed?

The study will run from March through October 30, 2025, with results to be filed with FERC in 2026.

How many lakes are included in Duke Energy's (DUK) 2025 recreation study?

The study covers 11 lakes across the Catawba-Wateree River basin where Duke Energy operates.

How often does Duke Energy (DUK) conduct the Recreation Use and Needs Study?

The study is required every 10 years, with the next study scheduled for 2035.

How can the public participate in Duke Energy's (DUK) 2025 recreation study?

The public can participate by scanning QR codes for online surveys at access areas and through in-person interviews with clerks at key locations.