To: North Carolina Utilities Commission, Governor of North Carolina, and Duke Energy Leadership

Subject: Opposition to Duke Energy Electricity Rate Increases

Beginning January 1, 2024, Duke Energy customers across North Carolina were hit with higher electricity bills following a Utilities Commission approval in December 2023. These increases—up to $200 per year for some households—come while Duke Energy continues to post strong profits and reward executives and shareholders. North Carolina families should not be forced to choose between keeping the lights on and paying for basic necessities.

We, the undersigned residents of North Carolina, strongly oppose the proposed and ongoing electricity rate hikes by Duke Energy. At a time when families are already struggling with rising costs for housing, food, healthcare, and transportation, increasing electricity rates places an unfair and unnecessary burden on households, seniors, small businesses, and low-income communities across our state.

Our Concerns:


Rising Cost of Living: Higher utility bills disproportionately impact working families and vulnerable populations.


Lack of Transparency: Duke Energy has failed to clearly justify why ratepayers should shoulder increased costs while the company reports strong profits and pays executive bonuses.


Corporate Accountability: Customers should not be forced to pay for poor planning decisions, infrastructure mismanagement, or cost overruns.


Clean Energy Costs: While we support a transition to clean energy, those costs should be managed responsibly and not passed unfairly onto consumers.


Economic Impact: Higher energy costs hurt local businesses and slow economic growth in our communities.
  Beginning January 1, 2024, Duke Energy customers across North Carolina were hit with higher electricity bills following a Utilities Commission approval in December 2023. These increases—up to $200 per year for some households—come while Duke Energy continues to post strong profits and reward executives and shareholders. North Carolina families should not be forced to choose between keeping the lights on and paying for basic necessities.

We Call On:

The North Carolina Utilities Commission to reject or significantly reduce proposed rate increases.


State leaders to prioritize consumer protection and affordability.


Duke Energy to absorb costs through reduced executive compensation, shareholder dividends, and operational efficiencies rather than increasing customer bills.


Expanded consumer protections, including stronger bill assistance programs and transparent rate-setting processes.


Electricity is a basic necessity—not a luxury. North Carolinians deserve fair, affordable, and transparent energy pricing.

We urge immediate action to protect residents from unjustified electricity rate hikes.

Signed,


Concerned Residents of North Carolina