AG Blocks Duke Energy Rate Hike | Wilmington News

Attorney General Jeff Jackson is rejecting a proposed six-point-eight percent electricity rate hike for Duke Energy Progress customers, calling it still too steep for families in eastern North Carolina and Asheville — even though it’s down from the company’s original 18.1% request. He argues the increase exceeds what Duke needs to cover its investments and stresses the real financial strain on households. The deal also included Duke pledging $10 million from shareholders for customer aid and faster implementation of rules targeting big energy users like data centers — a move following his earlier rejection of a similar 9.5% hike for Duke Energy Carolinas. Jackson is pushing the Utilities Commission to make Duke’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge legally binding, ensuring large consumers shoulder their own grid costs and can generate power themselves — potentially easing pressure on residential rates. If approved, the new rates would take effect January 1, 2027 — but Jackson’s opposition underscores his commitment to protecting consumers and promoting fairer energy pricing. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/97af4998eaa50048