Rising Natural Gas Prices Push Up Duke Energy Electric Rates In NC

Higher fuel costs and new renewable energy programs are pushing up rates for Duke Energy customers in most of western and central North Carolina.

Residential rates will increase 9.5% on Sept. 1 at Duke Energy Carolinas, which includes Charlotte, Durham, Winston-Salem, and Greensboro. That's $10.10 a month for a typical customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity, pushing the typical bill to $116.33, according to the utility company.

But rates could fall 1.3% beginning Jan. 1 if regulators approve downward adjustments for energy efficiency programs. That would reduce the typical bill next year to $114.94….Read more.