North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced he will not sign a proposed settlement in the Duke Energy Progress rate case, calling a 6.8 percent residential bill increase over the next 2 years too high for families.
The utility company originally asked for an 18.1 percent increase for its customers in eastern North Carolina and Asheville before negotiating the lower rate with the North Carolina Public Staff.
While Duke Energy Progress also agreed to contribute $10 million in shareholder funds for customer assistance and weatherization, Jackson maintains the company does not need the extra revenue to cover its investments.
The proposed deal does include a fast-track process to establish new rules for data centers and large energy users, which Jackson has pushed for to shield normal ratepayers from system strain.
The North Carolina Utilities Commission will make the final decision on the settlement, which would take effect on January 1, 2027.
