2026North CarolinaUTILITY PRICE REPORT
Utility rates in North Carolina went up 8% last year, and they will likely go even higher.
Proposed Rate Increases
18.5%
Duke Energy Progress Customers
15.8%
Duke Energy Carolinas Customers
Why Your Utility Bills Are Increasing
Federal Clean Energy Cuts
The Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress cut clean energy production, canceling NC clean energy factories and killing thousands of jobs.
These cuts are projected to cost the average NC household an extra $220 by 2030, and nearly $500 by 2035.
Utility Company Profits
Duke Energy made $4.97B in profit in 2025 (up 10%) while delaying investment in faster, cheaper power.
Duke paid a negative 10% tax rate last year thanks to a $687 million Trump administration tax break.
Data Centers
AI data centers used 4.4% of U.S. electricity in 2023 and could reach 12% by 2028.
Without new energy supply, North Carolinians pay the higher costs.
Extreme Weather & Heat
Hurricanes, flooding, and hotter summers damage energy infrastructure and drive electricity demand up.
This pushes utility rates higher for all customers.
Public Hearing Schedule
Attend a hearing to make your voice heard about these proposed rate increases.
Duke Energy Progress Customers
Proposed 18.5% rate increase
North Carolina Utilities Commission, Room 2115
430 North Salisbury Street
Robeson County Courthouse
500 North Elm Street
Online Hearing
Link will be available on NCUC website
Greene County Courthouse
301 North Greene Street
Person County Courthouse
105 South Main Street
Haywood County Courthouse
285 North Main Street
Duke Energy Carolinas Customers
Proposed 15.8% rate increase
Online Hearing
Link will be available on NCUC website
Burke County Courthouse
201 South Green Street
Mecklenburg County Courthouse
832 East 4th Street
Forsyth County Courthouse
175 North Chestnut Street
Durham County Courthouse
501 South Dillard Street
Register to Be a Witness
If you oppose these rate hikes and would like to make your voice heard, you can attend any of the public hearings and sign up to be a witness to tell your story about why these hikes are harmful.
Registration Deadline
Duke Energy Progress hearings: Members of the public who would like to testify must register in advance, no later than 5:00 PM on March 25, 2026.
Registration is handled through the NC Utilities Commission website.