How much electricity does Duke Energy produce with hydroelectric power?
Today, hydroelectric plants are used mainly as peaking plants. These plants are designed to run for short periods of time when customer demand for electricity is high. When customers need power, Duke Energys hydro plants can be started up and begin generating electricity in only a matter of minutes. Hydroelectric generation makes up approximately 1-3 percent of Duke Energys total generation in the Carolinas. Hydroelectric generation is a critical part of our flexible and reliable generation mix.
