What Duke Energy Is Proposing and Why It Matters to Customers
Electric bills in North Carolina could be going up again — and for many Duke Energy customers, by a significant amount over the next few years. In late 2025 and early 2026, Duke filed a request with the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) to increase rates for both its main utilities in the state: Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress. These proposals would raise residential rates by roughly 15–18% starting in 2027, with increases spread over multiple years and large investments planned in grid infrastructure and reliability.
Duke Energy maintains the rate hikes are needed to support a stronger, more resilient energy grid and to handle rapid increases in demand as the state grows. They’ve cited investments in storm hardening, transmission upgrades, and technology to reduce outages across their service territory. Opponents argue that the proposals come at a tough time for customers already feeling pressure from inflation and high household costs.
Political Pushback and Ratepayer Concerns
The proposed rate increases haven’t gone unchallenged. North Carolina’s Governor and Attorney General have publicly opposed the hike, calling the proposed percentage increases “simply too high” for everyday families whose bills could balloon by $15–$25 a month or more.
Public commenters have echoed this sentiment at early hearings. One Asheville-area resident testified that now isn’t the right time to raise rates — especially while Duke works to merge its two Carolina utilities into a single corporation that could streamline operations and lower costs.
At the same time, watchdog voices and advocacy groups have highlighted that Duke’s requested increases could generate over $1.7 billion in additional revenue for the company annually, even as it scales back commitments to renewable energy programs that might lower long-term costs for customers.
There Is Still Time to Voice Your Concerns!
If you’re a Duke Energy customer in the Asheville area, you have the opportunity to share your opinion directly with the regulators who decide whether electricity rates will increase. The North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) holds public hearings during major rate cases so residents, businesses, and community organizations can provide feedback.
Public Hearings on Duke Energy Rate Increases:
(These are the closest in-person hearings for many Asheville-area customers and part of the review of the rate increase request by Duke Energy.)
Waynesville
Date: April 14, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location:
Haywood County Courthouse
215 N Main St
Waynesville, NC
Morganton
Date: April 28, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location:
Burke County Courthouse
201 S Green St
Morganton, NC
Virtual Hearings:
April 1, 2026 — 6:30 PM
Virtual Public Hearing (Duke Energy Progress territory)
April 7, 2026 — 6:30 PM
Virtual Public Hearing (Duke Energy Carolinas territory)
How Members of the Public Can Participate
Register to Speak
Individuals who want to give oral testimony must register in advance with the North Carolina Utilities Commission. Speakers are usually given 3 minutes to provide comments.
- Register online through the NCUC website
- Deadline: around 5:00 PM before the hearing period begins (specific deadline depends on the docket)
Attend and Observe
Members of the public can attend hearings without registering if they only want to observe. Arrive early since hearings often have limited seating.
Submit Written Comments
Residents can also submit comments without attending a hearing:
- Online comment form through the NCUC
- Written comments mailed to the commission
- Email submissions referencing the rate case docket
Participate Virtually
- Register through the NCUC hearing notice. If you have any questions, please contact ncucpublichearing@ncuc.gov or 919-733-0837.
- You will receive a Webex link or call-in number
- Speakers are called in the order they registered
Sundance Supports You!
Sundance knows that the very best way to avoid these seemingly endless price hikes from the utility companies is to go solar. Since 1995, we have proudly worked with thousands of North Carolina residents on their solar journeys. If you would like to consider going solar, just get in touch and schedule your site visit. Our experienced Renewable Energy Consultants will listen to your needs and goals, provide a free custom design with price quote and be there every step of the process. Regardless, we believe that the way utilities operate is more in their shareholders interest than their customers. We hope that these latest increases do not get approved. The NCUC must recognize that Duke Energy already receives massive profit year in and year out. Passing on the cost of electricity to the residents of North Carolina without first addressing how much money goes to shareholders and executive compensation seems unfair. If you feel the same, please take advantage of these opportunities to be heard, in person or virtually. Thank you!
Duke Rate Increase Chart flyer updated
