North Wake News

Duke Energy is seeking public input on recreational opportunities along the Catawba-Wateree lakes and rivers as part of a Recreation Use and Needs Study (RUNS). This study, which occurs every ten years, will take place from March through October. The next scheduled study will be in 2035.

The study invites the public to provide feedback on Duke Energy-owned recreational and water access areas. Christy Churchill, recreation manager for Duke Energy’s Hydro and Lake Services team, stated: “At Duke Energy, we want to be a good neighbor. A part of doing that is providing opportunities to enjoy our shared water resource. With dozens of opportunities along the Catawba-Wateree, we want to hear from the public about what they enjoy and where there may be opportunities for improvement.”

The study includes all Duke Energy-owned public recreation sites at various lakes such as Lake James, Lake Rhodhiss, Lake Hickory, among others. As part of the study process, traffic and trail counters have been installed at each site. Additionally, clerks are posted on key days to interview visitors about their experiences.

Churchill added: “We want the public to engage with us so we want to make this easy. QR codes to online surveys have been posted at each access area to allow users to participate.” The results will be available publicly and filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in 2026.

Duke Energy Carolinas owns significant energy capacity in North Carolina and South Carolina. Overall, Duke Energy serves millions of customers across several states with its electric utilities holding substantial energy capacity.