Whatley took Duke Energy cash as North Carolinians paid more

Top StoryWhatley took Duke Energy cash as North Carolinians paid more

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Michael Whatley, a Republican Senate candidate in North Carolina, has received $10,000 from Duke Energy's political action committee since launching his campaign in July 2025. Whatley, a former lobbyist for Consumer Energy Alliance, has supported utility rate increases in the past, including passing coal ash cleanup costs onto Duke Energy customers. Currently, Duke Energy is seeking a 9.3% rate hike over two years, which would increase the average residential bill by $15 per month by mid-2028.

Whatley also holds up to $410,000 in Duke Energy stock, a financial tie criticized by his opponent, former Governor Roy Cooper, who accuses him of benefiting from higher utility rates. This controversy unfolds as over 260,000 North Carolina households reportedly cut back on air conditioning to manage rising energy costs.

Why it matters: Public scrutiny of Duke Energy's financial practices and rate strategies is intensifying, particularly as political figures with ties to the company face backlash. This could influence regulatory decisions and customer trust in North Carolina's energy market.