Attorney general challenges Duke Energy Progress rate request

Jackson filed testimony opposing a proposed 15% increase that his office says would collect nearly $960 million more than necessary over two years.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Attorney General Jeff Jackson is opposing Duke Energy Progress’ proposed 15% rate increase, arguing that the request would require North Carolina customers to pay nearly $960 million more than necessary over the next two years.

Jackson filed testimony in the utility’s pending rate case Wednesday, according to the North Carolina Department of Justice. The case will be decided by the North Carolina Utilities Commission, which regulates rates charged by investor-owned utilities.

Duke Energy Progress serves customers primarily in central and eastern North Carolina. Its rates are separate from those charged by Duke Energy Carolinas, which serves much of the western portion of the state.

The attorney general’s office said its experts reviewed the company’s application and concluded that portions of the requested increase were unnecessary or should not be charged to customers.

The filing does not itself determine whether rates will increase. The Utilities Commission will review evidence submitted by Duke Energy, the attorney general’s office, the Public Staff and other parties before issuing a decision.

The Public Staff is an independent state agency that represents utility customers in proceedings before the commission.

Jackson’s intervention follows his office’s involvement in a separate Duke Energy Carolinas rate case. The Department of Justice said its participation in the two proceedings is intended to limit unnecessary costs for residential and business customers.

Utility rate cases generally examine a company’s operating expenses, infrastructure investments, revenue requirements and permitted rate of return. The commission may approve, reject or modify a requested increase.

The case affects Duke Energy Progress customers across North Carolina and could determine the amount they pay for electricity during the rate period covered by the application.

A final decision has not been announced.

Editor’s note: This article was drafted with the assistance of artificial intelligence and was reviewed and fact-checked by a member of the NC Political News editorial team before publication.