The rate hike proposal, currently before the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC), has drawn sharp criticism and formal intervention from the state’s Attorney General and Governor.
Attorney General Intervenes for Ratepayers
On December 2, 2025, Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced his office is officially intervening in the case to review the massive rate hike request. Jackson stressed the need for a close review amidst rising costs for North Carolinians:
“With costs rising everywhere, it’s important we take a close look at Duke Energy’s proposed rate increase to ensure it is necessary.”He stated that his office is intervening to ensure they find "the right balance between investing in our energy infrastructure and protecting North Carolinians’ wallets.”
Governor Stein Opposes "Too High" HikeGovernor Josh Stein issued a swift statement opposing the increase and backing the Attorney General’s motion.“I am pleased that the North Carolina Department of Justice is fighting for the people of North Carolina,” said Governor Stein.
He publicly criticized the proposed hike, stating: “Duke Energy’s proposed rate hike is simply too high and comes as the company is also retreating on more affordable clean energy.”
The Governor highlighted his prior efforts to keep costs down, specifically mentioning his veto of Senate Bill 266, which he noted became law despite independent findings that it would increase costs to ratepayers by $23 billion. He added that the bill:“will shift the cost of electricity from large industrial users onto the backs of regular people – making families pay more so that industry pays less.”
Impact on Residential Bills and Fixed Fees
If fully approved, the rate hike would be phased in over two years (2027 and 2028), with residential customers facing the steepest increases on their monthly bills:
Utility Service Area Total Proposed Monthly Increase
(After 2028) Duke Energy Carolinas (DEC)$23.56 (for a typical 1,000 kWh user)Duke Energy Progress (DEP)$29.70 (for a typical 1,000 kWh user)
Fixed Charge Increase
A major point of contention is Duke Energy’s request to significantly raise the Basic Customer Charge—the mandatory fixed fee paid regardless of energy usage.
The current fixed charge for standard residential service is $14.00 per month. Duke Energy is expected to seek an initial increase to the fixed charge in the range of $17.00 to $18.00 per month, with the ultimate goal being a fee over $23.00 per month.
Consumer advocates warn that increasing this flat fee disproportionately impacts:
Low-income customers and those on fixed incomes.Energy conservers, as the incentive to use less power is reduced when a larger portion of the bill is fixed.
Next Steps
The case now proceeds to the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC), which will review evidence, consider the Attorney General's arguments, and hold public hearings before issuing a final ruling.
WNCTimes