Duke Energy Carolinas has reduced its proposed residential rate increase following objections from North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson, state regulators and other parties involved in the case.
According to the North Carolina Department of Justice, Duke Energy Carolinas announced it is lowering its proposed increase for residential customers from 18% to 11.6%.
The reduction comes after Jackson, the Public Staff of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, intervenors and residents across the state raised concerns about the original proposal.
In a statement released Monday, Jackson said the change reflects arguments made during the rate case proceedings.
“Our case was that Duke could afford a lower rate while still meeting its needs. Duke just agreed,” Jackson said.
Jackson said the revised proposal remains too high and pledged to continue advocating for lower rates.
“They’ve taken a step in the right direction by bringing the new rate down, but it is still too high,” he said.
The attorney general also said his office is focused on ensuring that costs associated with data centers and other large energy users are allocated fairly and do not disproportionately impact residential customers.
The proposed rate increase is still subject to review by the North Carolina Utilities Commission, which can approve, reduce or reject Duke Energy’s request.
A hearing on the Duke Energy Carolinas rate case is scheduled to begin July 7.
According to the Department of Justice, a final decision is expected this fall. If approved as proposed, the new rates would begin taking effect Jan. 1, 2027.
The Department of Justice said it will continue participating in the case on behalf of North Carolina electricity customers.
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