Governor Stein, AG Jackson oppose proposed Duke Energy rate hike

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Governor Josh Stein and NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson are opposing a proposed 15% rate hike by Duke Energy.

The Charlotte-based company wants to raise utility rates by about $29 over two years beginning in 2027.

The increase would raise the average monthly cost for North Carolinians to $193.

The governor says the rate hikes are simply too high and it comes as the company is scaling back goals for clean energy.

Duke Energy says the request is because demand for electric power is rising and the critical grid needs an upgrade.

The attorney general says he's looking into the request.

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The utilities commission will pick up the decision late next year.