Haywood County -- April 9, 2026: Haywood County residents will have the opportunity to voice their concerns regarding a proposed rate increase by Duke Energy Progress (DEP) at a public hearing scheduled for April 14, 2026, in Waynesville. While some reports have mentioned a 14% or 15% increase, that figure is an average across all customers. For those living in homes and apartments, the proposed 18.5% increase has sparked intense discussion about the rising cost of living in Western North Carolina.
Hearing Details
The public hearing, organized by the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC), will take place at the Haywood County Courthouse, located at 285 North Main Street, Waynesville, NC, at 7:00 p.m. on April 14, 2026. This hearing is part of a series of sessions held across the state to gather public testimony before the commission makes a final decision.
The Breakdown: 18.5% vs. 14%
It is important for residents to understand that the rate hike is not "one size fits all." According to the filing (Docket No. E-2, Sub 1380), the burden is heaviest on families and individuals:
Residential (Your Home): 18.5% Total Increase
Small General Service (Small Businesses): ~15%
Large Industrial (Factories/Data Centers): ~10% to 12%, according to industry estimates.
If approved, the typical residential bill for a household using 1,000 kWh per month would jump by roughly $23.11 in the first year (starting January 2027), with an additional $6.59 hike in the second year. By 2028, the average household will be paying nearly $30 more every month than they are today.
Key Issues at Stake
Duke Energy reported nearly $4.9 billion in profits for the 2025 fiscal year. The company states the increase is necessary to fund grid modernization and meet the energy demands of new data centers, as well as cover storm recovery costs, including those related to Hurricane Helene, according to the company. However, critics point out a disparity: residents are being asked for an 18.5% hike to help build infrastructure largely driven by high-energy corporate users—who are being asked for a significantly lower percentage.
Participation
Community members interested in testifying at the hearing should arrive at the courthouse early. The NCUC requires those wishing to speak to sign up in person on the official witness sheet located in the hearing room prior to the 7:00 p.m. start. Witnesses will be called to testify in the order they sign the sheet.
For those unable to attend in person, the NCUC accepts written statements online. You can submit your comments via the NCUC Public Statement page by referencing Docket No. E-2, Sub 1380.
The outcome of these hearings will have significant implications for families, seniors on fixed incomes, and the overall economy of the region.