The disagreement comes as Duke Energy seeks approval for a settlement that would raise rates by 6.8% over the next two years. The proposal would affect customers across the Triangle and other parts of the state.
Speaking before the Utilities Commission on Tuesday, Duke Energy said customers would pay 6.8% more during the two-year period. However, Jackson said that figure does not accurately reflect the effect on residential customers.
In a statement Wednesday, Jackson said, "the details matter here ... Duke got it wrong under oath."
The proposed increase has drawn criticism from some residents and advocacy groups concerned about rising household costs.
"Yeah, it seems to me like anybody that works 40 hours a week, they ought to be able to afford to live somewhere and be able to pay their bills and their electricity bills, their power bill. It's just crazy that, you know, people have to, people literally have to work two jobs or have a roommate in order to make the ends meet," said Raleigh resident Julian Scott.
Reji Simkins of Raleigh also objected to the prospect of higher rates.
"I think that's absolutely absurd. With inflation, it's already ridiculous. I think it should go down, in fact, rather than up," Simkins said.
Climate advocacy group NC WARN also raised concerns about the proposal.
"You know, last year, Duke reported a record $5 billion in profits, while many North Carolinians are really struggling to pay for their electric bills," said Sara Heilman of NC WARN.
Jackson argues that residential customers would see a 9.3% increase rather than the 6.8% increase referenced by Duke Energy. Heilman said that level of increase remains unacceptable.
"But really, from our perspective, 9.3% is still too high of an increase for residential customers, especially when those increases in the bills that we're paying are really going towards building unnecessary power plants, fueling these massive power-guzzling data centers that communities are not asking for and really not serving the interests of the average North Carolinian," Heilman said.
Duke Energy defended the agreement, saying the settlement reflects compromises reached among multiple stakeholders.
"We greatly appreciate the diverse partnership represented in these agreements, from Public Staff to businesses and organizations who all came together with us to reach a more cost-effective path forward for our customers," the company said in a statement.
The settlement is still subject to approval by the Utilities Commission. If approved, the rate increases would take effect Jan. 1.
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