ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — North Carolina residents will have another opportunity to weigh in on a proposed electricity rate increase by Duke Energy during a public hearing this week.
The North Carolina Utilities Commission is holding a series of statewide hearings on Duke Energy’s request to raise electric rates by about 18 percent. The proposal is part of an ongoing case, known as Docket E-7, Sub 1329, involving Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress.
A public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Burke County Courthouse in Morganton, where customers can provide comments directly to the commission. Additional hearings are planned for May 6 in Winston-Salem and May 12 in Durham, with remote participation options also available.
The hearings are designed to gather public input on the proposed rate increase, which has drawn criticism from customers concerned about rising energy costs. Each speaker will be given an opportunity to address the commission.
The commission will also hold expert witness hearings in August as part of its review process before making a final decision.
Duke Energy has said the requested increase is intended to support infrastructure improvements and other system costs, though the proposal remains under review.