RALEIGH, N.C. — About two million Duke Energy customers in central and western North Carolina would face an average 6% rate increase if state regulators approve the country's largest electric company's request.
Duke Energy said Monday it needed another $290 million a year to recoup spending on grid upgrades, coal-ash cleanup, storm repairs and to increase its potential profit margin to 10.3%. The company also proposes recouping money faster for three coal-burning power plants, potentially leading to earlier closings.
If approved, the proposal would add about $8.06 per month to the typical residential customer's bill. A rate increase that took effect last year was expected to increase residential rates by 1.2% over four years.
The Duke Energy subsidiary serving eastern North Carolina is expected to file a new rate request within a month.
Cities in central North Carolina include: Greensboro, High Point, Winston-Salem, Burlington, Asheboro, Lexington and of course the full county areas in each city.