Sipes, Walls appointed to Duke Energy posts

Duke Energy announced Monday that Robert Sipes and Jason Walls have been appointed to general manager of the western zone and district manager, respectively.

Sipes will largely be responsible for the company's distribution activity in the western part of North Carolina, including oversight of a $1.1 billion modernization project. Prior to this appointment, Sipes served as the company's business services group director.

Walls, who served in this role until April, will return Aug. 24 and continue working to facilitate positive relations with the surrounding community and to build partnerships. In this role he will serve as the direct contact person for educators, government and civic leaders.

The modernization project will entail retiring a coal power plant in Asheville and opening a combination natural gas and solar power plant. They also will install a 40-mile, 230-kilovolt transmission line connecting the Asheville power station.

“Electricity demand in Asheville has doubled over the last four decades and is expected to grow by another 15 percent over the next 10 years,” Lloyd Yates, executive vice president for market solutions and president of the Carolinas region, said. “Both Robert and Jason have extensive industry experience and they live in the area. Their passion for their work and community will ensure strong collaboration with all stakeholders as we identify the best solutions to modernize the electrical infrastructure to reliably serve the area’s growing energy needs.”