Raleigh -- August 13, 2026:North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced Wednesday that his office will not sign a proposed settlement agreement in the Duke Energy Progress rate case, taking a firm stance against a proposed 6.8% residential electricity rate increase over the next two years.
Duke Energy Progress, which serves customers across eastern North Carolina and the Asheville area, originally filed a request seeking an 18.1% rate hike on residential customers. Following negotiations, Duke announced a settlement agreement with the Public Staff of the North Carolina Utilities Commission and other intervening parties, bringing the proposed increase down to 6.8%.
Despite the reduced rate, Jackson stated the compromise still places an undue burden on North Carolina households.
“Duke brought down their rate increase to 6.8%, but that’s still too high for families and still more than the company needs to cover its investments,” Jackson said. “We’re not signing it.”
Push for Data Center Accountability and Ratepayer Assistance
As part of the proposed settlement, Duke Energy Progress agreed to several key concessions:
Separate Rules for Data Centers: Duke Energy Progress will join a fast-track process alongside Duke Energy Carolinas to establish updated rules and potentially a dedicated rate class for large energy users, such as data centers. Jackson has consistently argued for separate rate structures to ensure large energy users pay for the strain they place on the grid, rather than shifting those infrastructure costs onto residential consumers.
Direct Customer Assistance: Shareholders of Duke Energy will contribute $10 million toward funds dedicated to helping low-income customers pay utility bills and weatherize homes to lower ongoing energy costs.
Federal Pledge Enforcement: Separately from the settlement, Jackson is asking Duke to formalize commitments under the federal Ratepayer Protection Pledge into legally binding rules before the Utilities Commission, ensuring large energy users can generate their own power and pay for the specific energy infrastructure they require.
Pattern of Opposing Utility Rate Increases
This refusal marks the second major utility settlement Jackson has declined to sign in recent weeks. In July, Jackson refused to endorse a proposed settlement in the Duke Energy Carolinas case—which serves most of central and western North Carolina—because residential rates would still rise by approximately 9.5%.
The ultimate decision rests with the North Carolina Utilities Commission, which will evaluate the case arguments and decide whether to approve, alter, or reject the proposed settlement. If approved as filed, the new utility rates are scheduled to take effect starting January 1, 2027.
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