Utility regulators and executives should view renewables as "niche" sources of electricity rather than as a reliable solution to the nation's future energy needs, a Duke Energy Corp. executive told participants at the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners meeting in Sacramento, Calif.

"Wind and solar resources provide a valuable niche role, but they are not the solution," Jim Turner, group executive of Duke Energy and president and COO of its U.S. franchised electric and gas business, said July 19. "I think we need to honestly acknowledge that as we think about the investments that we're going to be making" in the coming decades to repower America, he said, adding, "You've got to have your nuclear plants and your coal plants and your gas plants on the front lines."

Regulators and utilities need to strive to honor the balance between affordable, reliable and clean electricity generation, Turner said, commenting, "It doesn't matter... [continue via Web link]