Consumer Reports is delivering its last round of petition signatures ahead of a key decision by state utility regulators
RALEIGH, N.C. — With the North Carolina Utilities Commission expected to rule on Duke Energy’s proposed electricity rate increases early next week, Consumer Reports (CR) announced today that over 13,000 North Carolina consumers have urged regulators to reject excessive increases and put affordability first.
“North Carolinians have sent a clear message: They cannot afford another major increase in their electric bills,” said Chris Harto, manager of energy policy at Consumer Reports. “The commission should listen to the over 13,000 individuals who have spoken out and ensure that affordability, not utility profits, is at the center of its decision.”
In late July, CR submitted detailed technical comments, more than 3,700 petition signatures, and over 20 personal stories from Duke Energy customers describing how rising electricity costs have strained their household budgets. Thousands more consumers have since joined the campaign, bringing the total number calling on regulators to reject excessive increases to over 13,000.
Duke Energy reduced its original rate requests amid opposition from consumers and other stakeholders. However, the revised proposals would still raise household electric bills and allow the utility to earn substantial profits from residential customers.
Consumer Reports is calling on the commission to approve only costs that are necessary and reasonable, keep Duke’s authorized profit rate in check, and ensure that large new electricity users, including data centers, pay their fair share rather than shifting costs onto households.
CR’s work in North Carolina is part of the Power Smarter campaign, a new initiative to help millions of households lower their energy costs and build the collective power needed to make the energy system work better for consumers. As part of the launch, CR unveiled Bill Decoder, a tool that collects consumer utility bill data to map national price trends, uncover cost drivers, and gather evidence to fight for fairer rates. The tool also provides consumers with local financial assistance resources, efficiency ratings, and guides to decode utility terms and fees.
Contact: cyrus.rassool@consumer.org