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 operating license for the project expires in July 2027. The company expects a decision from FERC before the original license ends.
The Bad Creek facility has been in operation since 1991 and is considered the largest “battery” on Duke Energy’s system. It stores and generates electricity by moving water between two reservoirs at different elevations, providing energy when customer demand is highest. Recent upgrades at the site increased its total capacity to 1,680 megawatts, adding 320 megawatts of carbon-free energy.
Duke Energy serves nearly 860,000 retail electric customers across South Carolina and states that maintaining existing facilities like Bad Creek is essential to support economic growth and meet rising electricity needs. The company consulted with more than 70 stakeholders as part of its relicensing process.
U.S. Rep. Sheri Biggs said, “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, stated: “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 about 20,800 megawatts of capacity and supplies electricity across North Carolina and South Carolina. Its parent company serves approximately 8.6 million customers across six states in both electric and natural gas utilities.
The company continues investments in grid upgrades and cleaner generation sources such as natural gas, nuclear power, renewables, and storage technologies as it works toward an energy transition focused on reliability and value.
More information can be found at duke-energy.com or through their social media channels including X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, or via their illumination platform.
