Duke Energy’s delay in turning on the lights at a new affordable apartment building in Chapel Hill is running up a local nonprofit’s bill, while leaving some prospective tenants on the verge of homelessness, according to a recent filing.
EMPOWERment Inc., an Orange County nonprofit housing provider, and the Southern Environmental Law Center filed a complaint June 6 asking the N.C. Utilities Commission for a ruling and an immediate order requiring Duke Energy to turn on the electricity to the P.E.A.C.H. Apartments building at 107 Johnson St.
The delay is putting the building at risk of mold and mildew damage, because the heating, air and ventilation systems need permanent power. It’s also increasing EMPOWERment’s costs to maintain the building, SELC senior attorney Nicholas Jimenez said…