Electric bills will soon increase for customers in New Bern.
New Bern Alderman voted Tuesday night to increase electric rates by about 3%, to offset rising wholesale power costs.
New Bern buys its electricity from Duke Energy, and city officials said they’re paying more to supply homes and businesses.
The city implemented a similar rate hike last year to cover a $3 million shortfall in the utility budget.
People will start seeing the higher rates on their electric bills later this year