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Michelle Alfini

@michellealf.bsky.social
118 followers 224 following 51 posts

Climate Beat Reporter for WSOC in Charlotte.

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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 11/07/2025
With the Big Beautiful Bill ending federal incentives this year, it will likely cost hundreds of thousands to millions, more for Charlotte to invest in the clean energy technology required to meet its climate goals for 2035. www.wsoctv.com/news/local/c...
wsoctv.com
Charlotte remains committed to climate goals despite losing federal incentives
The city of Charlotte sent a statement Thursday saying the city remains committed to its climate goals regardless of federal policy changes that will make meeting those goals more expensive.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
At the time when we needed power most, 3-8 p.m. our solar facilities were able to provide inexpensive, clean and reliable power. Adding more batteries to the system as planned should only make the grid more reliable.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Duke Energy's release thanks customers for their conservation and the "all of the above energy mix" across the state but I think our massive solar buildout made a huge difference. NC ranks fifth in the nation for solar capacity, but our solar development has been slowing down.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Yesterday, I reported the DOE gave Duke Energy emergency authority to exceed pollution limits at its power plants to meet the demand. A Duke spokesperson told me that was precautionary and the utility did not have to resort to that. www.wsoctv.com/news/local/d...
wsoctv.com
DOE grants Duke Energy emergency powers to exceed pollution limits at power plants during heat wave
Duke Energy made the request Monday.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Duke also says our all-time energy record was set this year. We used 37,260 MW in January. Obviously, this shows we're using a ton of power during our hottest and coldest days and our demand is rising year over year.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
The Carolinas set an energy use record during Tuesday's heatwave. According to Duke Energy, our new summer peak is 35,269 MW, breaking our previous record 34,439 MW set last year.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
As the country takes another look at nuclear energy, South Carolina is considering reviving a project whose name became synonymous with failure and corruption. I explored the debate into whether V.C. Summer be part of SC’s energy future. www.wsoctv.com/news/local/s...
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
UPDATE: As of yesterday the Southeast Regional Climate Center's website is back online with a message saying its NOAA contract has been renewed. sercc.com
sercc.com
SERCC – Southeast Regional Climate Center
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
As of this morning, this is all you can see if you try to access the Southeast Regional Climate Center website.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
For years, North Carolina was a leader in solar now the state's falling behind and facing a backlash to new, utility-scale projects. As legislation targeting the industry moves through the statehouse, I spoke with farmers looking for common ground. www.wsoctv.com/news/local/i...
wsoctv.com
Is solar threatening North Carolina farms, or is there room for cooperation?
North Carolina ranks 5th in the nation for solar development, but recently that development has seen a backlash.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
We've been in this dry period really since Hurricane Helene. Monday's rain was a big help but what the state really needs is to escape this pattern of long dry spells and then sudden huge rainfalls. I explored the issue earlier this week: www.wsoctv.com/news/local/w...
wsoctv.com
‘Weather Whiplash’ is making our dry days drier and wet seasons worse
It’s been happening more often across the state and much of the country as global temperatures rise.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
Despite our recent rain, the Charlotte area is still in a moderate drought. Fortunately the mountains seem to be getting some relief. droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/S...
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
Six months after Hurricane Helene, dozens of Charlotte families who lived along the Catawba River are still rebuilding. Many though, believe the flooding that inundated their neighborhood didn't come from mother nature, but the way Duke Energy managed the dam upstream. www.wsoctv.com/news/local/b...
wsoctv.com
What’s at stake when dam floodgates open during massive rainstorms
Channel 9′s Michelle Alfini got an inside look at one of the dams and explains what’s at stake when the energy company opens the floodgates.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
Sen. Newton sponsored several energy-related bills throughout his career, including the recent SB 261 which pulls back on North Carolina’s climate goals. www.wsoctv.com/news/local/n...
wsoctv.com
North Carolina Senate majority leader resigns, creating leadership vacancy
Republican Senate Majority Leader Paul Newton announced his resignation from the North Carolina Senate, effective Wednesday evening, creating a leadership vacancy as the Senate enters a busy legislati...
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
Duke Energy files a motion to dismiss a lawsuit from the Town of Carrboro. The Town alleges Duke Energy helped launch a misinformation campaign about climate change while the utility's fossil fuel plants helped fuel warming. Duke Energy claims Carrboro has no standing. www.wsoctv.com/news/local/d...
wsoctv.com
Duke Energy files to dismiss climate change lawsuit
Duke Energy filed a motion Monday to dismiss a lawsuit that alleges the utility contributed to and lied about climate change for decades.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
The bill has passed the NC Senate. www.wsoctv.com/news/local/b...
wsoctv.com
Bill altering NC climate goals in the name of lowering energy costs passes senate vote
The bill, which was introduced Monday, would remove the state’s mandate for Duke Energy to reduce its carbon emissions by 70% by 2030.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
UPDATE: The NC Senate will be taking up this bill in their 9:30 session this morning.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
NC Electric Cooperatives and ElectriCities of NC have come out in favor of this bill. Duke Energy didn't specifically endorse the bill, but the utilities statement said it supports policies like the ones included in the bill.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
I imagine this conversation will continue, as this bill makes it to the senate floor. It flew through two committees in two days so I expect that will be soon.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Duke Energy currently has plans to connect a small modular nuclear reactor to the grid by the mid-2030s. The concern from groups like the NCSEA, is that given past projects have come in late and over budget, could this bill create framework to put ratepayers on the hook for that?
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Now, nuclear is a carbon-free technology that is already well-used in the Carolinas, BUT new nuclear projects have been proposed and canceled in both states several times over the past few decades.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
In a statement to me, a Duke Energy spokesman said this would mean more stable and predictable energy prices. Several groups have spoken out with concerns this would mean ratepayers could be on the hook for expensive projects like new nuclear.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Then there's the other part of the bill: the construction costs. According to Duke and Leader Newton, passing along those costs to ratepayers during the construction process could save ratepayers money in the long run.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
The NC Sustainable Energy Association disagrees. They say the 2030 goals force Duke Energy to prioritize existing, low-cost, low-carbon or carbon-free tech like solar and battery storage. Along with the EDF, they argue volatile natural gas prices are responsible for higher rates.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
According to Leader Newton, “We're no less committed to 2050 carbon neutrality in our electric grid, but we're removing an obstacle that now we know exists for [the NC Utilities Commission]."
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
In this morning's committee hearing bill sponsor and Senate Majority Leader Paul Newton made the argument this bill will save ratepayers money because it gives utilities like Duke more flexibility to choose "least cost generating options" without focusing on meeting 2030 goals.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
A bill that would roll back North Carolina's climate goals and make it easier for Duke Energy to pass power plant construction costs onto customers is moving quickly through the statehouse. It made through its second committee this morning. www.wsoctv.com/news/local/l...
wsoctv.com
Legislation to alter NC climate goals progresses in state Senate
A bill that would roll back some of North Carolina’s climate goals is swiftly advancing through the state legislature.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
“It should be supported by anybody who was worried about high energy prices and inflation before the elections, and unfortunately, it’s become sort of ensnared in this political struggle.” www.wsoctv.com/news/local/m...
wsoctv.com
Money for NC programs up in the air amid battle over federal funding
A battle over federal spending has dozens of North Carolina programs caught in the crossfire.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
Just wanted to share this NYT article from 2023 on the rise in close calls in commercial aviation. The crashes are new. The warnings about FAA staffing shortages and errors falling through the cracks are not. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
nytimes.com
Airline Close Calls Happen Far More Often Than Previously Known (Gift Article)
Near misses involving U.S. commercial airlines happen on average multiple times a week, a New York Times investigation found.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
This story from @floodlightnews.org is a wild read. At first I wondered, what could they possibly mean "menacing federal inspectors" and well, if you give it a read, you'll certainly find out that's an apt description. floodlightnews.org/co2-pipeline...
floodlightnews.org
CO2 pipeline company draws $2.4M fine for menacing federal inspectors
Workers were manufacturing pipeline to replace a ruptured section of carbon dioxide line that sent 45 people to the hospital in Mississippi
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
In the years following the Inflation Reduction Act, the southeast, namely GA, SC and NC saw billions in investment from clean energy manufacturing companies hoping to set up shop. Now some of those businesses are pulling out. www.ajc.com/news/busines...
ajc.com
Freyr cancels $2.6B battery factory it promised to build in Georgia
Freyr Battery officials informed the Coweta County Development Authority late last month that the company will not move forward with its planned battery factory.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
Despite efforts from the Trump administration to end the offshore wind industry Dominion says its CVOW project is 50% complete and on track to finish on schedule by the end of 2026. This would be the first offshore wind deployment in the southeast. news.dominionenergy.com/press-releas...
news.dominionenergy.com
Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) Project, Part of Comprehensive “All of the Above” Energy Strategy to Affordably Meet Growing Energy Needs, Continues on Schedule, Cost Updated
No change to expected on-time project completion at end of 2026 Project achieving significant construction milestones including the successful installation of the first 16 transition pieces Updated pr...
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
What if I told you, there’s a way to fight climate change by taking wood from the southeast, shipping it across the ocean and burning it in Europe? Sound far-fetched? I investigated that claim and explored the global and local impact of this growing industry. www.wsoctv.com/news/local/e...
wsoctv.com
Europe burns wood from Carolina forests as ‘renewable energy’ but how green is it?
Biomass is made up of densely concentrated wood pellets that are burned for electricity.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
If you rely on Piedmont Natural Gas and your latest bill came as a shock, you’re not alone. Winter peaks combined with a rate increase and the pass through costs of high fuel prices mean many customers got hit with a triple whammy. www.wsoctv.com/news/local/p...
wsoctv.com
Piedmont Natural Gas customers say winter heating bills are giving sticker shock
She's worried about next month's bill
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
Today CATS proposed four options with varying degrees of reducing rail routes or replacing them with bus rapid transit. Learn about the plans here: www.wsoctv.com/news/local/c...
wsoctv.com
CATS presents 4 scenarios for 30-year transit plan for Charlotte
CATS has four proposed scenarios that can be completed within 30 years of passing the sales tax while remaining on budget.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
Charlotte and Mecklenburg County had an ambitious plan to build this rail network with a 1% sales tax increase. Now, CATS says due to financial constraints related to getting state approval for that increase the plan will have to be significantly scaled back.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
2024 was North Carolina's 2nd warmest year on record and between Helene, droughts and other major flooding events, the state saw its share of "weather whiplash." www.wsoctv.com/news/local/2...
wsoctv.com
In 2024, North Carolina saw 2nd warmest year and despite drought, Helene kept rainfall above average
2024 had slightly above average rainfall, but the climate office reports that is largely due to a few major rain events rather than steady rain throughout the year.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 15/01/2025
While we wait for data from attribution studies, scientists say it’s important to recognize the connection between climate change and the LA fires. www.wsoctv.com/news/local/l...
wsoctv.com
LA fires have multiple causes, but scientists say climate change helped fuel them
In what California’s governor is saying may be the costliest disaster in U.S. history, the southern California wildfires have killed dozens, destroyed thousands of homes and forced tens of thousands t...
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
www.npr.org/2023/02/24/1... And us.macmillan.com/books/978037...
npr.org
'The Great Displacement' looks at communities forever altered by climate change
Jack Bittle's book takes a look at several communities that have been affected by climate change, and how the lives of their residents — those who have survived — have been altered by extreme weather.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
Anyone interested in learning more about the intersection of climate change, land use policy and insurance and how that’s all impacting people’s likelihood to move into and ability to move out of harms way, I recommend: The Great Displacement by Jake Bittle and On the Move by Abrahm Lustgarten.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
On top of that, we’re also bombarded with instagram or TikTok videos of very aesthetic homes with perfect children. They’re essentially ads but because they’re from influencers it feels more like peer content. It’s very easy to see yourself as lacking.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
This does not mean there are no other contributing factors or policy issues that may have exacerbated the risk, but point blank, because of human-caused climate change, the fires in Southern California were more likely to occur. Now we’re seeing the devastating results.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
The loud climate disinformation about the wildfires is disquieting to say they least. Scientists have been saying for years that the drier, hotter conditions in CA have been lengthening fire seasons and making the likelihood of intense fires more likely.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
In a first of its kind lawsuit, the Town of Carrboro is suing Duke Energy for both contributing to climate change and downplaying the impact of fossil fuels, despite evidence the utility knew about their harm since the 1960s. www.wsoctv.com/news/local/t...
wsoctv.com
Town of Carrboro sues Duke Energy for contributing to and lying about climate change
The suit claims the town is entitled to damages due to decades of inaction from Duke Energy.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 26/11/2024
The countless leash-free walks on trails gets me. Not only are there countless signs but as a jogger, I don’t want to have to have to guess if every dog that lunges to chase me wants to play or attack.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
One of the oldest coal-fired plants in North Carolina is retiring at the end of the year, but work to excavate all the coal ash it's left behind will continue for another 14 years. www.wsoctv.com/news/local/d...
wsoctv.com
Duke Energy’s Coal-fired Allen Steam Plant retires at the end of the year
The Allen Steam Station will be demolished by the end of 2028.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
And this is my second story focused on the big, dramatic and expensive solution the city is planning. www.wsoctv.com/news/local/k...
wsoctv.com
To keep floodwaters out, Charleston is designing a sea wall
Charleston is designing a sea wall to keep floodwaters out of the city.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
This is my first report, exploring the growing issue in Charleston: www.wsoctv.com/news/local/c...
wsoctv.com
Charleston is sinking while the sea is rising
Nuisance flooding has always been a part of Charleston’s geography, but it’s gotten worse in the past few decades due to two simultaneous issues.
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
Well, this is a nice surprise! My reporting on sea level rise and sinking neighborhoods in Charleston is nominated for a Midsouth Emmy!
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Michelle Alfini @michellealf.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
Dozens of companies have invested billions in the Carolinas in the hopes of building up battery manufacturing. Now they say a future Trump administration brings a lot of certainty about their future. www.wsoctv.com/news/local/p...
wsoctv.com
President-elect Trump has the EV industry in his crosshairs, what that could mean in the Carolinas
“If we shift the country back to one that is solely shackled to oil and gas and fossil fuels and stop supporting the growth of electric vehicles clean energy, then there are few places that are going ...
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