Duke Energy proposes 18% utility rate hike

The proposed increase would raise a typical residential customer's monthly bill by $28.06 in 2027 and another $6.59 in 2028.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:37pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly detailed, photorealistic studio photograph of a polished metal electrical transformer or substation component, floating on a clean white background and dramatically lit to create sharp shadows, representing the abstract concept of energy infrastructure and grid modernization.A modernized electrical grid component symbolizes Duke Energy's proposed investments to improve power reliability and resilience, though at a cost to customers.Snow Hill Today

Duke Energy Progress has proposed an 18% rate increase over two years, citing the need to upgrade the electric grid and improve resilience to severe weather. The North Carolina Utilities Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposal on Monday in Snow Hill, with a decision expected in the fall.

Why it matters

The proposed rate hike would significantly impact residential customers in Duke Energy's service area, potentially making electricity less affordable for some households. The utility argues the increases are necessary to modernize the grid, but customers may push back on the scale of the proposed changes.

The details

Under the proposal, a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatts per month would see their monthly bill increase by $28.06 in 2027, followed by an additional $6.59 increase in 2028. Duke Energy says the rate hikes are needed to fund grid upgrades and improve resilience, including self-healing technology that helped avoid 1.3 million customer outages last year.

  • The North Carolina Utilities Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposal on Monday, April 10, 2026 in Snow Hill.
  • The commission is expected to approve, alter, or deny the proposal in the fall of 2026.

The players

Duke Energy Progress

A subsidiary of Duke Energy that provides electricity to customers in North Carolina.

North Carolina Utilities Commission

The state agency responsible for regulating public utilities in North Carolina, including reviewing and approving rate increase proposals.

Jeff Brooks

A representative for Duke Energy who discussed the proposed rate hike and the utility's grid modernization efforts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We've upgraded our electric grid to make it stronger and more resistant to outages from severe weather, to make it more resilient with self-healing technology that actually helped to avoid about 1.3 million customer outages last year, saving about 3 million hours of outage time.”

— Jeff Brooks, Duke Energy representative

What’s next

The North Carolina Utilities Commission will decide whether to approve, alter, or deny Duke Energy's proposed rate increase proposal in the fall of 2026.

The takeaway

This rate hike proposal highlights the ongoing tension between utility companies' need to invest in grid modernization and the impact of higher electricity costs on residential customers, especially those struggling with affordability. The public hearing will give customers a chance to voice their concerns, and the utilities commission will have to balance these competing interests in its final decision.