"Duke Energy May Close Several Coal-Fired Power Plants"

"Duke Energy said Wednesday it might close seven coal-fired units at its Carolinas power plants within five years as environmental regulations intensify.

Federal regulators are expected to stiffen limits on pollutants that form smog, acid rain and haze and issue new rules for toxic mercury and coal ash, Duke said in an annual planning document filed with the North Carolina Utilities Commission.

Shutting down old units can be cheaper for utilities than refitting them with new pollution controls."

Bruce Henderson reports for the Charlotte Observer September 1, 2010.

Source: Charlotte Observer, 09/02/2010