$2.5 Billion Question: Is Anderson County Getting a Power Plant or a Power Play?
Duke Energy's new natural gas plant promises millions for schools—but residents wonder about the air they'll be breathing
STARR, SC — The South Carolina Public Service Commission just gave Duke Energy the green light to build a monster 1,400-megawatt natural gas plant in Starr. That's enough juice to power roughly 1 million homes. The catch? Anderson County residents are wondering if they're getting a boost to their schools or a boost to their asthma medication.
Show Me the Money (But Hold Your Breath)
Let's talk numbers, because Duke Energy sure is:
$2.5 billion investment over 15 years $16.7 million in annual tax revenue 70% of that cash goes to local schools 30+ jobs created 200 acres of Anderson County real estate
Sounds like a win, right? Anderson County School District Three—currently running on fumes and prayers with one of the lowest per-pupil funding levels in the Upstate—could suddenly find itself with an extra $11+ million per year.
But here's where it gets spicy.
The Plot Thickens (Along With the Air)
Anderson County already ranks #4 in South Carolina for asthma cases. Now imagine adding a massive natural gas plant to the mix. The South Carolina Environmental Law Project isn't mincing words—they're warning about respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular problems, and increased risks of heart attacks and strokes for folks living nearby.
The plant site sits near Beaver Creek and wetlands that eventually flow into Rocky River and Lake Secession. Translation? What happens in Starr doesn't stay in Starr.
Duke Energy's response? "Best available control technology." Which sounds reassuring until you remember that "best available" doesn't mean "zero impact."
The Approval Dance
The PSC vote was unanimous. No drama there. But the real showdown happens next at the Anderson County Council, where Duke needs tax incentive approval. That's where local officials have to decide: Is $16.7 million a year worth potentially breathing harder for?
Oh, and Duke has to file quarterly updates during construction. Because nothing says "trust us" like mandatory progress reports.
The Elephant in the Room
This would be Duke's second natural gas plant in Anderson County. They already run the 750-megawatt W.S. Lee plant in Belton. So apparently one wasn't enough. The Upstate is growing fast—Greenville and Spartanburg are practically bursting at the seams—and somebody's gotta keep the lights on.
Duke says this plant is "necessary." Residents with inhalers might use a different word.
What's Actually Happening Next
1. Anderson County Council votes on tax incentives (third reading) 2. Duke files quarterly construction updates (thrilling reading, we're sure) 3. Someone, somewhere, updates their asthma action plan
The Bottom Line: Anderson County is getting a $2.5 billion investment, millions for struggling schools, 30 jobs, and quite possibly a few more trips to the pharmacy. Whether that's a fair trade depends on who you ask—and how well their air conditioning works.
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