Duke University

Durham
North Carolina 27708-0028
VICE PRESIDENT
FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS
AND GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

211 ALLEN BUILDING

BOX 90028
(919) 681-3788

April 20, 2016

The Honorable John Szoka
16 West Jones Street, Room 2223
Raleigh, NC 27601
Dear Representative Szoka,
Duke University has made a commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2024 through a
combination of internal operational changes, community-wide initiatives, investments in
innovative offsets with public and private partners, and working with our electricity supplier
to encourage reductions in emissions over time. To that end, we support the legalization of
third-party energy sales in North Carolina and urge the adoption of legislation to make that
possible.
Permitting energy consumers to enter into traditional Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
would provide customers with a competitive option for various renewable projects. Such
partnerships can significantly reduce up-front installation costs, making renewable energy
much more affordable and, in many cases, cheaper than buying energy directly from a utility.
This could potentially benefit individuals as well as nonprofit entities seeking a cost-efficient
way to engage in sustainable energy practices through the use of federal investment tax
credits and other tools.
Legalizing third-party energy sales will allow North Carolina to access the value of
distributed renewable energy and grow an industry that has already created economic activity
and new jobs. As a major consumer of electricity, a home to more than 15,000 students
from around the world, and the employer of more than 36,000 North Carolina citizens, we
encourage the adoption of legislation that will make these benefits available to all.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,

Michael J. Schoenfeld
Vice President for Public Affairs and Government Relations