Critical
WCCB Charlotte
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson has criticized Duke Energy's revised rate hike proposal, arguing that the 9.5% increase remains excessive. He suggests that large energy users, such as data centers, should bear more of the costs tied to infrastructure upgrades. An independent analysis by his office claims Duke Energy could meet its funding needs with a smaller rate adjustment.
The attorney general’s opposition adds complexity to the settlement, which still requires approval from the North Carolina Utilities Commission. A decision is expected by November.
Why it matters: Regulatory scrutiny of rate increases could impact Duke Energy’s ability to recover infrastructure costs and maintain customer trust. The attorney general’s stance may also influence how future rate adjustments are structured, particularly in balancing costs between residential and commercial users.