Duke Energy seeks to extend operations for another 50 years at Bad Creek, supporting unprecedented growth in the Carolinas

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Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK) has submitted a final license application to FERC to extend operations at its Bad Creek Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Station for an additional 50 years. The facility, located in Salem, S.C., recently underwent upgrades that increased its total capacity by 320 megawatts to 1,680 megawatts.

The current license expires in July 2027, and Duke Energy has consulted with over 70 stakeholders for the new license proposal. The Bad Creek facility, operating since 1991, serves as the company's largest "battery" system, supporting nearly 860,000 retail electric customers across South Carolina through its pumped storage hydro technology, which moves water between two reservoirs at different elevations to store and generate energy.

Positive

• None.

Negative

• Pending regulatory approval from FERC creates uncertainty
• Current license expires in 2027, requiring timely approval

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• For more than three decades, the pumped storage hydro station in South Carolina has performed a vital role as the largest "battery" on the company's system
• Effort supports the intent of South Carolina leaders to address growth by continuing to operate proven electricity capacity in the state

GREENVILLE, S.C., Aug. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy has announced its submission of the final license application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the Bad Creek Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Station, located near Salem, S.C. The application, if approved, would extend the plant's operations for an additional 50 years.

A flexible, dynamic, efficient and emission-free way to store and deliver large quantities of energy, pumped storage hydro plants store and generate energy by moving water between two reservoirs at different elevations. Located in Oconee County, S.C., Bad Creek is designed to produce significant amounts of energy when our customers need it most, performing a vital role as the largest "battery" on the company's system since 1991.

Why it matters: As part of the company's responsibility to serve nearly 860,000 retail electric customers across South Carolina, Duke Energy needs to not only build large amounts of new generation but also extend the lives of those proven workhorse facilities like Bad Creek and the company's existing nuclear fleet to support the economic success and growth the state is experiencing.

Duke Energy recently completed upgrades to the four units at the Bad Creek pumped storage facility in Salem, S.C. The upgrades add a total of 320 megawatts of carbon-free energy to the company's system, increasing the total capacity of the station to 1,680 megawatts.

• This commitment to relicense the Bad Creek facility reflects the investments the company is making to maintain and enhance our generating fleet and serve a growing customer base.

Next steps: The current operating license for the project expires in July 2027 and Duke Energy consulted with more than 70 stakeholders to propose a new license that would run for another 50 years.

• Duke Energy expects a decision on our operating license application from FERC in 2027, before the original license expires.

More info: Downloadable b-roll of Bad Creek is available for use. Please courtesy credit: "Duke Energy".

What they're saying:

• U.S. Rep. Sheri Biggs: "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."
• Duke Energy South Carolina President Tim Pearson: "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
Duke Energy Carolinas, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 20,800 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 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,100 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.

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SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

What is Duke Energy's Bad Creek Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Station's current capacity?

Following recent upgrades, Bad Creek's total capacity is 1,680 megawatts, after adding 320 megawatts of carbon-free energy to the system.

How long is Duke Energy (DUK) seeking to extend Bad Creek's operations?

Duke Energy is seeking to extend Bad Creek's operations for an additional 50 years through its FERC license application.

When does Duke Energy's current Bad Creek facility license expire?

The current operating license for the Bad Creek facility expires in July 2027.

How many customers does Duke Energy serve in South Carolina?

Duke Energy serves nearly 860,000 retail electric customers across South Carolina.

How does Duke Energy's Bad Creek pumped storage facility work?

The facility stores and generates energy by moving water between two reservoirs at different elevations, acting as a large battery system to produce energy when customer demand is highest.