© 2024 Blue Ridge Public Radio
Blue Ridge Mountains banner background
Your source for information and inspiration in Western North Carolina.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Duke Energy lowers next year’s electric rates amid falling fuel prices

State regulators approved Duke’s proposal to adjust rates due to lower fuel costs.

Customers in the Duke Energy Carolinas service area — which includes Charlotte, Durham and the Triad — will see the change on their energy bills starting on Jan. 1.

A typical customer will see their bill shrink by about $5 or 3.6%.

Commercial energy bills will decrease by an average of 7.4%, while industrial rates will remain relatively stable.

Last week state regulators began public hearings on Duke Energy-subsidiary Piedmont Natural Gas’ proposed rate hike for gas customers. The company has requested a 15% increase in use rates to recover costs associated with the normal operations and maintenance of Piedmont’s energy infrastructure.

Zachary Turner is a climate reporter and author of the WFAE Climate News newsletter. He freelanced for radio and digital print, reporting on environmental issues in North Carolina.