Critical
witn.com
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson has raised concerns about Duke Energy Progress's revised rate hike, suggesting customers may face a 9.3% increase, higher than the 6.8% figure cited by the company. This discrepancy stems from testimony by Duke Energy's North Carolina President Kendal Bowman and subsequent analysis by the state Department of Justice. The original 18.1% request was reduced in a settlement, but questions about transparency remain.
The North Carolina Utilities Commission will decide on the proposal, with the attorney general emphasizing the need for accurate and fair rate-setting. This intervention highlights ongoing tensions between utility companies and consumer advocates.
Why it matters: Heightened regulatory scrutiny could affect Duke Energy's ability to secure future rate approvals and may influence how utilities nationwide approach rate filings in the face of public and governmental oversight.