I have written to Gov. Josh Stein, Attorney General Jeff Jackson and the N.C. Utilities Commission (NCUC) to reject Duke Energy Progress’ (DEP) proposed nearly 20% residential rate increase over two years. These increased costs will further burden Western North Carolina residents at a time when we are still recovering from rising costs due to Helene, inflation caused by the war in Iran, massively increased food costs, unaffordable home prices and rising rents.
If electricity demand is increasing due to power data centers, require the tech companies to cover increased costs of their power needs. If investment is required to reduce our demand for electricity or support solar, battery or wind alternatives, explain it to me, and I will write you a check!
These companies are protected monopolies. They deserve a fair return to attract investment. I equate “fair” to the return on a 10-year Treasury bill, not 10.95%! I ask that the NCUC agree to cap their guaranteed return at 4%!…