Governor Josh Stein conducted an NC Strong Update on October 27, 2026, to underscore his administration’s ongoing efforts to reduce living expenses for North Carolina families and enhance public safety.
Addressing Rising Energy Costs
As winter approaches and residents begin to utilize heating systems, Governor Stein is actively working to mitigate escalating energy costs. A bipartisan Energy Policy Task Force revealed that electricity rates in North Carolina could surge by as much as 70% over the next 15 years. A significant contributor to this potential increase is the energy consumption of data centers, which are projected to account for about 30% of new energy projects yet drive 80% of future energy demand. A recent report associated with the Task Force indicates that these data centers could impose an additional $50 billion in costs by 2050.
“Data centers’ large energy loads are going to create $50 billion in costs for all ratepayers, and if nothing changes, families will have to foot data centers’ bill. That’s unacceptable,” Governor Stein stated. He urged the Utilities Commission to implement large load tariffs to safeguard residents from the financial impacts of data centers’ energy consumption.
Attorney General Jeff Jackson echoed these concerns, emphasizing that families should not bear the burden of expenses associated with new data centers. He pointed out that Duke Energy’s proposal for a large load tariff is a step in the right direction, though further improvements are necessary to ensure that data centers pay for their energy usage and contribute clean energy to the grid.
Over the past year, collaborations with Energy Futures have provided insights into the financial implications of energy policies in North Carolina. Their findings suggest that addressing the energy demands of large consumers now could save ratepayers significant amounts in the future.
Domestic Violence Awareness Initiatives
In recognition of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Governor Stein highlighted the state’s commitment to tackling this critical issue. Data from the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence indicates that domestic violence led to at least 66 homicides in the state in 2025. Governor Stein urged individuals experiencing domestic violence or knowing someone in such a situation to seek available resources.
Secretary of Administration Gabe Esparza noted the state’s support for programs aiding those leaving abusive relationships, emphasizing that domestic violence affects people across all demographics. Representative Monika Johnson-Hostler added that it is essential to create an environment where survivors can feel safe without compromising their basic needs.
The NC Department of Administration’s Division for Women and Youth funds 76 domestic violence programs across 97 counties, providing crucial services such as shelter, counseling, and crisis support. Recent statistics reveal that over 60,000 individuals received assistance and more than 100,000 crisis interactions occurred in the last fiscal year.
Enhancements to Emergency Services
Governor Stein also announced that the North Carolina 911 Board has allocated over $13 million in grants this year for vital upgrades to public safety answering points (PSAPs) statewide. This funding aims to ensure that emergency call centers are well-equipped to serve their communities effectively.
“Every second matters when someone calls 911,” said Governor Stein, highlighting the importance of these grants in enhancing the capabilities of 911 operators.
NC Department of Information Technology Secretary Nate Denny stated that reliable 911 services are crucial for public safety and that investments in technology will bolster the trust placed in these emergency systems. The 911 Board has invested more than $104 million over the past decade to improve communication systems across North Carolina.
This year’s grant recipients include various counties and agencies, with significant allocations for radio console upgrades and cybersecurity enhancements aimed at modernizing emergency response capabilities.
The NC 911 Board is committed to providing essential resources to PSAPs, ensuring they can effectively carry out their lifesaving responsibilities. Anyone in need of mental health support can contact 988, which connects individuals to trained specialists.
Source: Office of the Governor of North Carolina
