The new 40-years license will enable Duke Energy Progress to continue operating Tillery hydroelectric plant near Mt. Gilead, North Carolina, and the Blewett Falls hydroelectric plant near Lilesville, North Carolina, as well as the associated lakes.
The two hydro plants have combined generating capacity of 108MW and can produce electricity to power approximately 25,000 average homes.
Duke Energy Hydro Licensing and Lake Services water strategy vice president Steve Jester said: "Receiving the license allows us to implement environmental and recreation resource enhancements that will result in many benefits to the community and the environment for decades to come.
"The plants provide clean, renewable hydroelectric power generation, support regional public drinking water needs, and provide high quality recreation opportunities for central North Carolina.
"This license ensures the availability of these resources for future generations."
Duke Energy Progress owns nuclear, coal-fired, natural gas and hydroelectric generation, providing about 12,000MW of electric capacity.
