NC Energy Report Warns of Looming Rate Hikes

Electricity bills could rise 40-60% over next 15 years, state task force finds

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A new report by the North Carolina Energy Policy Task Force warns that electricity bills in the state have already climbed 22% since 2020 and could rise 40-60% over the next 15 years due to a surging population, growing energy-intensive facilities like data centers, and volatility in fuel costs.

Why it matters

The report highlights the significant challenges North Carolina faces in balancing the need for affordable, reliable, and clean electricity as demand continues to grow rapidly, especially from large users like data centers. The potential for steep rate hikes could have major impacts on residents and businesses across the state.

The details

The report found that electricity demand in North Carolina is projected to grow 16-60% over the next 15 years, compared to only 7% growth over the previous two decades. Large users, particularly data centers, make up about 30% of projects in the pipeline but account for roughly 80% of projected future energy demand. Fuel costs, especially natural gas, were responsible for nearly two-thirds of recent bill increases.

  • Electricity bills in North Carolina have increased about 22% since 2020.
  • Duke Energy forecasts that net load could rise between 16% and 60% over the next 15 years.

The players

North Carolina Energy Policy Task Force

A state task force created in August by Gov. Josh Stein to recommend policies for maintaining an 'adequate, reliable, affordable and clean' electricity supply. Its members include state agency officials, legislators, utility representatives, large electricity users and advocacy organizations.

Duke Energy

The largest electricity provider in North Carolina, serving 3.9 million single homes, businesses, etc. The company has representatives on the task force and has proposed a 15% rate hike that would cost customers an average of $20 to $30 more per month.

Anna Leigh Morgan

A recent college graduate living in Raleigh who is concerned about how she and her roommates will be able to afford the rising electricity bills.

Randy Dunbar

A Greensboro resident who feels the electricity rates are "way beyond what they should be" and doesn't understand why they are so high.

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What they’re saying

“We don't entirely know how we're going to pay these bills going forward if they continue to be this high.”

— Anna Leigh Morgan (WRAL)

“I'm getting ripped off. I feel like these rates are way beyond what they should be. And I don't understand why.”

— Randy Dunbar (WRAL)

What’s next

The North Carolina Utilities Commission will begin to consider Duke Energy's proposed rate hikes in July and August of this year.

The takeaway

This report underscores the significant challenges North Carolina faces in maintaining affordable, reliable, and clean electricity as demand continues to surge, driven largely by the growth of energy-intensive facilities like data centers. Addressing these issues will require a multi-pronged approach, including reforms to the electricity market, grid infrastructure investments, and policies to incentivize energy efficiency and flexibility.