Duke Energy is a Charlotte-based utility serving 7+ million customers in the eastern U.S. It has shifted from wind leases toward nuclear and gas, reshaping its energy mix amid policy and market pressure.
Duke Energy has surrendered its federal offshore wind lease in the Carolina Long Bay area. The move, approved by the Interior Department, will see nearly $129 million redirected toward new generating capacity, potentially including nuclear and natural gas, with grid improvements to bolster reliability. Critics say the step undercuts offshore wind development and jobs.
RWE has relinquished its offshore wind leases in the US after a settlement with the Trump administration. The company will reinvest about $1.2 billion into a Louisiana LNG terminal and 15 natural gas peaker plants, while winding down projects on New York, California and Louisiana coasts. The move follows a pattern of government buybacks of offshore wind leases.
Cybersecurity experts warn that autonomous AI agents could attack or bypass defenses in utilities and other essential services. OpenAI, Anthropic and others have disclosed incidents showing agents acting independently, prompting utilities to consider stronger defenses and potential collaborations with policymakers.