Duke Energy announced that its nuclear fleet achieved a new all‑time reliability record in 2025, with a system‑wide capacity factor of 96.9 %. The record was set across the company’s 11 nuclear units at six sites in the Carolinas, including Brunswick, Harris, New Hill, McGuire, Catawba, Oconee, and Robinson.
The 96.9 % capacity factor represents a significant improvement over the fleet’s 94.4 % record in 2020 and the 93.18 % record set in 2014, underscoring the steady progress in operational performance and the effectiveness of ongoing maintenance and upgrade programs.
The record reliability translated into approximately $600 million in federal nuclear production tax credits, which Duke Energy has passed on to its customers. The fleet powers more than 8 million homes across the region, reinforcing the company’s role as a reliable, low‑cost generator in the Southeast.
Chief nuclear officer Kelvin Henderson said, "This new record shows the unmatched reliability our nuclear plants deliver every day. It demonstrates the value we're committed to providing for our customers, and it reflects the skill and dedication of the teams who operate these facilities with excellence." The achievement supports Duke Energy’s long‑term strategy of extending the operational life of its nuclear fleet, pursuing license renewals through the mid‑century, and maintaining a stable, low‑cost base to fund its broader energy‑transition initiatives.
The reliability milestone strengthens Duke Energy’s competitive position as a regulated utility, bolsters customer confidence through tangible tax‑credit savings, and provides a solid foundation for future investments in grid upgrades, renewables, and energy storage as the company works toward its carbon‑reduction goals.
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