NORTH CAROLINA, USA — North Carolina's Attorney General Josh Stein office filed an appeal to block Duke Energy's rate increase approved by North Carolina's Utilities Commission.
The AG's office said most people will see their bill go up $20 a month. Hundreds of people have been sounding off on social media about the change in their bill.
WFMY News 2's Nixon Norman heard from a frustrated couple and went to Duke Energy, NCUC and the AG's office for answers.
Over 700 people and counting commented on a post WFMY News 2's Nixon Norman made on Facebook, asking if anyone at home is seeing higher than usual Duke Energy bills.
Several of you said your bill has either doubled or tripled like one Summerfield couple shared.
With North Carolina's Utilities Commission approving higher rates for Duke Energy customers back in October. Several people here in the Triad are feeling the impact.
"It’s definitely put a strain, it puts a strain on a regular household. We have a household of 4, so… you feel it, you feel it," Summerfield Resident, Heidi Ritchie said.
Ritchie and her husband James have lived in Summerfield for over 20 years. Their Duke Energy bill is higher than it's ever been.
"I opened up the bill and the bill for February for us was $326.07. I don't think we have ever had a bill in all the years that we lived here that high," Heidi Ritchie said.
According to Duke Energy, that rate increase would tack on $8.04 for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month used. Although $8.04 doesn't seem like much, it can add up.
This is why North Carolina's Attorney General Josh Stein is appealing NCUC's decision to approve Duke's rate increase.
He released a statement saying, "every dollar matters for North Carolina families. Yet, Duke Energy's rate increase is too high. So, I'm asking the court to side with North Carolina's ratepayers and to reject this rate increase."
If the North Carolina Supreme Court does not rule in favor of Attorney General Stein, the Commission’s order would result in a net overall increase in rates of approximately 15 percent for consumers.
An increase of that magnitude means that in three years, a typical ratepayer will be paying approximately $20 more per month for their utility bill.
"It ends up being the first bill we have to pay, otherwise, we have no power. Without power, we don’t have no water, I mean, there’s so much more involved to not paying your electric bill. So yeah, you’re kind of forced to do that first and then you hope you got enough to cover all your other expenses for the month," Summerfield Resident, James Ritchie said.
What makes it harder, is that Duke Energy is the primary provider of energy in the state, meaning folks feel left with no other option.
"It's a horrible thing to go through, basically you're stuck," James Ritchie said.
Another recent change with Duke has left customers with more questions. On energy bills, there's now this new line showing a 'summary of rider adjustments'. Jeff Brooks with Duke Energy said it's not a new charge, Duke is just deciding to show it on the bill now.
"What's unfortunately happened is, a lot of people have seen a higher bill from the winter weather, they've gone to look at their bill, look for what's different and that they see is this new line item charge on the bill and that's created some confusion," Brooks said.
The intention behind this specific change was all about transparency but again, Duke customers still have concerns.
Duke Energy said rates are set to increase again in October of this year by $4.67 and again in October of 2025 by $5.15.