A unanimous three-judge panel of the N.C. Court of Appeals affirmed this morning the N.C. Utilities Commission’s 2012 decision to permit the merger between electric utilities Duke Energy and Progress Energy. Appellate judges rejected arguments against the merger from environmental group NC WARN. The Appeals Court also dismissed an appeal of the merger from the city of Orangeburg, S.C., ruling that the city lacked standing.

Among other opinions released this morning:

  • A unanimous three-judge panel affirmed a trial-court ruling favoring a former attorney from the N.C. Department of Administration in her wrongful termination suit against the state agency.
  • A unanimous three-judge panel affirmed a trial-court ruling against the Onslow Water and Sewer Authority in a dispute involving tap fees.