Utility bills Coverage

Duke Energy hoping emerging tech research benefits customers

Duke Energy is transitioning away from coal. It means power bills are becoming more expensive.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

On WRAL at 6: Your power bills are rising, but where's that money going?

Your power bills are rising, but where's that money going? From micro grids, upgrading solar panels and battery backups, 5 on Your Side goes inside Duke Energy's high-tech testing center to see how it could benefit you.

Retirement crisis looms as Americans struggle to save

The number of US workers in the labor market over the age of 75 is expected to nearly double over the next decade, creating a looming retirement crisis.

By Nicole Goodkind, CNN

A New Surge in Power Use Is Threatening U.S. Climate Goals

Something unusual is happening in America. Demand for electricity, which has stayed largely flat for two decades, has begun to surge.

Brad Plumer, New York Times

Clayton woman hit with $1,000 utility bill after Duke Energy error

Bryn Blanco had a huge shock when she opened her most recent electric bill. It cost more than $1,000 for her 1,000 square-foot home.

Shelle Jackson, WRAL reporter

'It's not right': Clayton woman frustrated after Duke Energy error leads to massive bill

Bryn Blanco was shocked when she opened her most recent electric bill. It cost more than $1,000 for her 1,000-square-foot home. And it wasn't easy to get to the bottom of it.

Duke Energy customers say bills are skyrocketing

Rising energy bills are causing concern for Duke Energy customers. Social media is buzzing with complaints about "huge" increases and unfamiliar charges appearing on bills.

Duke Energy bill spikes hit customers with unfamiliar charges and confusion

Rising energy bills are causing concern for Duke Energy customers. Social media is buzzing with complaints about "huge" increases and unfamiliar charges appearing on bills.

Shelle Jackson, WRAL reporter

Electric use growing faster than predicted, pushing urgency for Duke Energy to invest, build

Duke Energy said estimated electricity usage by 2030 would be eight times higher than they initially predicted in 2022.

Electric use growing faster than predicted, pushing urgency for Duke Energy to invest, build

Duke Energy is making plans to meet a sharp, unexpected growth in North Carolina's electric usage.

WRAL staff

Over 1.4 million people could lose federal energy aid as a record number of Americans fall behind on utility bills

(CNN) -- When an Arctic blast hit Massachusetts earlier this month, the phones started ringing more frequently at Citizens for Citizens. Desperate residents in the southeastern part of the state needed help with their mounting energy bills.

By Tami Luhby, CNN

Tips to cool your power bill

Using cold water in laundry and cool setting to dry clothes are money-savers for your utlity bill.

US inflation edges up, fueled by energy and housing prices, but many other costs rise only mildly

Higher energy and housing prices boosted overall U.S. inflation in December, a sign that the Federal Reserve's drive to slow inflation to its 2% target will likely remain a bumpy one.

WRAL/AP

Easy ways to cut costs on your energy bills

On average, households in North Carolina spend about $2,100 each year on energy bills, and electricity use accounts for one-third of the state's greenhouse gas emissions. Small changes can make a big difference for your wallet and the planet!

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL Climate Change Reporter

Keep the lights on? WRAL Investigates new nuclear power coming to N.C.

North Carolina's No. 1 power provider wants to add to its nuclear portfolio. However, WRAL found the future of nuclear has a much different look.

Sarah Krueger, WRAL Investigates reporter

The future of nuclear power is smaller, more modular

WRAL Investigates dives into the future of power production coming to North Carolina. The real question remains: What will happen to my power bill?

Residents see massive jump in electricity bills

One resident said his bill nearly doubled to almost $500 after the town of Lucama raised prices on electricity for residents.

'We are going to get them out': Lucama residents say town doubled their electric bills

Some residents say their bills doubled and even tripled in some cases. A town administrator said the town was losing money and needed to make the price hike.

Julian Grace, WRAL anchor/reporter

In Depth with Dan: Duke Energy balances profits, production

North Carolina's biggest utility to beholden first to shareholders, then to customers.

Talk about electric shock: Here's why Duke Energy could double your monthly power bill in the coming years

Duke is asking the commission to raise residential electricity rates by close to 19% over the coming three years, and the utility's next rate request could be much bigger.

Cullen Browder, WRAL anchor/reporter

WRAL Investigates: Why your power bill could double by 2026

WRAL Investigates why Duke Energy claims it needs you to pay more on your power bill. Plus the startling warning an energy expert revealed during a days long meeting.

Duke Energy to hold public hearing on proposed rate hike

On top of all these other financial issues, Duke Energy customers could see a big increase in their electricity bill later this year.

'The proposal doesn't meet the needs of North Carolinians.' Duke Energy customers voice concerns of proposed rate hike at public hearing Tuesday

Many Duke Energy customers voiced their concerns to Duke Energy commissioners Tuesday night in Raleigh, with some saying the hikes could force them to relocate.

Lora Lavigne and Julian Grace, WRAL anchors/reporters

NC program offers low-income residents assistance with heating bill

People can apply for the North Carolina Low Income Energy Assistance Program through March 31 or until funds run out.

WRAL Staff

Help is available to cover rising cost of heat

Wake County's Energy Assistance Program has already promised more than $1 million to struggling families. About $3 million more is available.