NC Chamber Foundation Unveils Business-Driven Roadmap for North Carolina’s Energy Future

RALEIGH, N.C. —As North Carolina experiences unprecedented economic and population growth, the NC Chamber Foundation today released North Carolina’s Business-Driven Energy Vision – a roadmap shaped by employers to guide the state’s energy future.

The report outlines North Carolina’s current energy landscape, the forces driving demand and the challenges ahead. It distills input from business leaders across industries into clear priorities for ensuring reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy — the foundation for continued growth and competitiveness.

“North Carolina’s growth story is also an energy story,” said Meredith Archie, President of the NC Chamber Foundation. “As one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, we need a modern, resilient energy system to power our communities, support our businesses, and secure our economic future. This Business-Driven Energy Vision reflects the voices of job creators from every corner of our state, offering a clear framework to ensure North Carolina remains competitive, innovative, and well-positioned for the decades ahead.”

Drawing on insights from sectors including manufacturing, technology, agriculture, logistics, life sciences, and more, the Foundation engaged stakeholders through listening sessions, interviews, and surveys. The consensus was clear: North Carolina must strengthen its power grid, maintain a diverse energy mix, and close service gaps — particularly in rural areas — to meet the needs of a rapidly growing economy.

Seven Strategic Pillars for Action:

1. Build Strong, Secure, and Resilient Infrastructure Capacity
2. Treat Reliability as Table Stakes
3. Ensure Affordable, Predictable Power
4. Diversify the Energy Mix
5. Streamline Regulations and Permitting
6. Bridge the Rural–Urban Energy Gap
7. Leverage Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage

By advancing these priorities, the state can secure its competitive advantage and foster resilient, sustainable growth for decades to come.

The NC Chamber Foundation will host a webinar on Aug. 27 at 10am to discuss the Business-Driven Energy Vision and include insights from business leaders. Register here.

North Carolina’s Business-Driven Energy Vision is available to download here.

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About the NC Chamber Foundation
The NC Chamber Foundation is creating a strong, sustainable future for business and communities across North Carolina. Through nonpartisan research and thoughtful collaboration, the NC Chamber Foundation serves as a convener and works to disseminate information related to complex challenges, craft sound policy recommendations, track progress, and drive a future-focused vision to expand economic growth and prosperity for all North Carolinians. The work of the NC Chamber Foundation is leveraged by the NC Chamber and aligned business organizations to advocate for change that positions North Carolina as a top-10 state to live, work, and do business. For more information, visit ncchamber.com/foundation.