Electricity Coverage

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?

Fact check: Biden says Obama spent 'hundreds of millions' to bury Florida power lines

After Hurricane Idalia knocked out power to about a half million northern Florida homes and businesses in late August, President Joe Biden said it would have been worse if the federal government hadn't improved the state's electrical grid.

Amy Sherman, PolitiFact reporter

Duke Energy works to expand capacity, availability, safety of power grid

While it was bullets that damaged substations and knocked out power in Moore County last December, something as simple as a balloon, a kite or a metal ladder can have the same effect - leaving homes without power and first responders in danger.

Monica Casey, WRAL Durham reporter

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

Smart plugs recalled due to shock risk

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says 120-volt North American Emporia Smart Plugs are not grounded properly.

Here's what to do if you lose power

What to do before you lose power and how to stay safe when your electricity goes out.

Duke Energy preparing for increased energy use amid heat wave

We're preparing for a day of extreme heat across the Triangle. Duke Energy is preparing for a spike in energy use, as temperatures climb into triple-digit heat indices.

Duke Energy preparing for peak energy use during consecutive days of extreme heat

As residents prepare for a day of extreme heat across the Triangle, Duke Energy anticipates seeing peak usage of electricity.

Push for more electric options in NC

Nine companies and several industry groups want the General Assembly to at least study moving away from Duke Energy's regulated monopoly. So far, NC lawmakers aren't willing.

Big electricity users push for competition in NC energy market

Nine companies and several industry groups want the General Assembly to at least study moving away from Duke Energy's regulated monopoly. So far, NC lawmakers aren't willing.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

CYNTHIA SATTERFIELD: Duke Energy - less reliability, higher costs

Friday, June 30, 2023 -- Mere months after inflicting rolling blackouts that left half a million North Carolinians in the frigid dark on Christmas Eve, Duke Energy is seeking regulators' approval of two massive price increases on the fundamental service it provides.

Congress look at Moore County power grid attack

Federal lawmakers held a hearing Friday to review the December attack on the Moore County power grid that left left more than 45,000 homes and businesses without power for days.

Attacks on Moore County's power grid prompt security cameras, patrols and better equipment

Federal lawmakers held a hearing Friday to review the December attack on the Moore County power grid that left left over 45,000 homes and businesses without power for days.

Eric Miller, WRAL reporter

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

Duke Energy pushing for rate increase to cover fuel costs

5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur looks into who would be most impacted by the proposed Duke Energy rate increase.

NC, Denmark reach offshore wind energy agreement for environmental, economic benefits

The North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Danish Energy Agency entered an agreement to become partners in the advancement of offshore wind by sharing information and best practices.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL climate change reporter; Kenan Williard, WRAL eastern North Carolina reporter

NC, Denmark embark on offshore wind energy partnership

The North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Danish Energy Agency entered an agreement to become partners and collaborators in the advancement of offshore wind by sharing information and best practices.

Substation attack bill passes first NC Senate committee

The bill's sponsor, State Sen. Tom McInnis, R-Moore, was among the 45,000 households and businesses that were left without power for five days in December 2022.

NC Senate panel OKs tougher penalties for utility attacks

The bill's sponsor, State Sen. Tom McInnis, R-Moore, was among the 45,000 households and businesses that were left without power for five days in December 2022.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

State lawmakers propose power grid protections after attacks

When gunshots at two electrical substations cut power to thousands of central North Carolina homes for several days in early December, Republican state Rep. Ben Moss watched his vibrant district full of family farms, small businesses and sprawling golf courses become "a ghost town."

Hannah Schoenbaum, Associated Press/Report for America, and Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief and

NC power substation damaged by gunfire

EnergyUnited said its customers who are served by the substation did not experience an outage as a result of the quick response.

Gunfire damages EnergyUnited power substation in Randolph County

EnergyUnited said its customers who are served by the substation did not experience an outage as a result of the quick response.

WRAL Staff

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Power grid gridlock?

Tuesday Jan. 3, 2023 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.