Anderson County Approves $2.5B Duke Energy Plant Despite Pushback

The split council vote clears the way for the natural gas power plant project that has drawn strong reactions from residents.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:05am

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A highly detailed, photorealistic studio photograph of a polished metal model of a natural gas power plant turbine engine, resting on a clean white background and dramatically lit to highlight its sleek, industrial design.A gleaming model of the natural gas turbine at the heart of the new $2.5 billion Duke Energy plant symbolizes the economic promise, but also the community tensions, surrounding this major corporate investment.Anderson Today

After over an hour of public comment and debate, Anderson County Council voted to approve a tax agreement with Duke Energy, clearing the way for a more than $2 billion natural gas power plant. The final decision was not unanimous, with three council members voting against the agreement. While some residents voiced opposition to the tax incentives, county leaders defended the deal as a way to attract large-scale investment and long-term revenue, including potential benefits for local schools.

Why it matters

The approval of the Duke Energy plant marks a significant economic development for Anderson County, but the split council vote and vocal public opposition highlight the ongoing tensions between attracting large corporate investments and concerns over tax incentives, potential health impacts, and priorities for public funding.

The details

The facility is planned near Highway 81 and True Temper Road and has drawn strong reactions from residents on both sides of the issue. Before the vote, nearly a dozen community members voiced opposition, questioning why a major corporation like Duke Energy would receive tax incentives. Some argued the potential tax revenue could instead be used for infrastructure improvements. County leaders, however, defended the agreement, emphasizing that fee-in-lieu-of-tax (FILOT) deals are designed to attract large-scale investment and long-term revenue, and that such agreements have helped the county avoid raising taxes for more than a decade.

  • The Anderson County Council gave final approval to the tax agreement with Duke Energy on April 8, 2026.

The players

Duke Energy

A major electric power and natural gas company that is planning to build a more than $2 billion natural gas power plant in Anderson County, South Carolina.

Anderson County Council

The governing body of Anderson County, South Carolina that voted to approve a tax agreement with Duke Energy for the power plant project.

Cindy Wilson, Jimmy Davis, and Greg Elgin

Anderson County Council members who voted against the tax agreement with Duke Energy.

Dave Shalar

An Anderson County resident who voiced opposition to the tax incentives for Duke Energy.

Ally Engle

An Anderson County resident who raised concerns about the potential negative health impacts and loss of tax revenue from the Duke Energy project.

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What they’re saying

“Please do not give Duke $2 billion off the hook. Let them pay their fair share of taxes.”

— Dave Shalar, Anderson County resident

“The human aspect alone is unacceptable, but $65 million a year that could be used to address health issues, fund our schools, and maintain our roads is instead being handed over to a major corporation that couldn't care less about any of us.”

— Ally Engle, Anderson County resident

“We haven't had a tax increase in 16 years, and these deals are the reason why.”

— Brett Sanders, Anderson County Council member

“You can't lose what you don't have. We currently receive about $1.7 million a year. With this project like this we go from $1.7 million to potentially $7–10 million a year. That makes a difference in people's taxes.”

— Kathy Hipp, Superintendent, Anderson School District Three

What’s next

The approval of the tax agreement clears the way for Duke Energy to move forward with the construction of the $2.5 billion natural gas power plant in Anderson County. The project is expected to have a significant economic impact on the region, but will continue to face scrutiny from some residents and community groups concerned about the tax incentives and potential environmental impacts.

The takeaway

The split vote on the Duke Energy plant highlights the ongoing tensions in many communities between attracting large-scale corporate investments and balancing concerns over tax incentives, public funding priorities, and the potential social and environmental impacts of such projects. As Anderson County moves forward with this major development, it will need to carefully navigate these complex issues to ensure the benefits are widely shared and the concerns of all stakeholders are addressed.