Duke Energy is proposing a 15% rate increase for customers in the next two years.
It means customers would pay about $20 to $30 more per month by 2028.
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“I don’t think I’m using what they’re charging me,” said Duke Energy customer Roosevelt Farmer.
The North Carolina Utilities Commission is expected to consider Duke Energy’s request in the spring. If approved, the changes will go into effect on Jan. 1 of both 2027 and 2028.
“It’s sad because I want to make more money,” said Duke Energy customer Lindy Olive. “My bills are going up, but my income is not going up.”
The proposal:
- For Duke Energy Carolinas customers, their bills would increase by $17.22 a month in 2027, followed by another $6.34 increase in 2028.
- For Duke Energy Progress customers, their bills would increase by $23.11 per month starting in 2027, followed by another increase of $6.59 a month in 2028.
According to Duke Energy, the increase will help boost reliability and support economic growth.
In February 2025, Duke Energy customers told WRAL News of their concerns about higher energy bills despite promised rate reductions.
WRAL News asked Duke Energy how it can justify another proposal to raise rates.
In a statement, a Duke Energy spokesperson said the company is sensitive to the financial pressures customers face. The spokesperson said the company is actively helping customers save money.
In August, WRAL News reported about Duke Energy’s proposal to merge Duke Energy Carolinas (DEC) and Duke Energy Progress (DEP). The proposed merger would save customers more than $1 billion through 2038.
Some customers like Farmer are skeptical of the company’s claims about the $1 billion savings.
“Don’t give it to me and then turn around and take it away,” Farmer said. “I’m like a child. Babies don’t like for their toys to be taken away.”