Whatley’s lobbyist background is drawing increased scrutiny as energy costs rise across the state. Advocates argue that decisions made in Washington and in the state legislature have consistently favored corporate utilities over consumers, leaving North Carolinians to shoulder the burden.
With gas prices averaging $4 a gallon for the first time in four years and grocery prices skyrocketing, the rate hike proposal, which will cost residential consumers $20-30 more per month, has come at a time when many households are struggling. Many families are having to choose between paying significantly high electricity bills and putting food on the table.
Duke Energy Carolinas kept $21.70 of every $100 paid by North Carolinians in 2024 as pure profit. That’s higher than normal for energy companies and much higher than other industries.
More than 33,000 North Carolina and South Carolina residents have signed the petition asking for an independent review of the system to determine any overcharges on bills and call for the company to issue refunds, if that is the case.
North Carolina was forced to pay nearly $3.5 billion in tariffs since President Trump took office, while the farming industry and rural economy are expected to lose about $1.9 billion and 8,000 jobs. North Carolina households are expected to pay about $800 to $1,300 this year as a result of tariffs.
“North Carolinians have already paid billions in unlawful tariffs – our farmers, our manufacturers, and our communities can’t bear more,” Jackson said in a press release. “I’m taking the federal government to court because they broke the law again, they harmed North Carolinians, and I can prove it.”
About 600,000 children in our state rely on federal food assistance programs such as SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
North Carolina is one of only two southeastern states with a fully running Home Efficiency Rebate program. Energy Saver NC supports residents who want to electrify their homes and use that electricity more efficiently, offering up to $16,000 toward new appliances, better insulation, or other purchases that help a home use electricity more efficiently.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein announced his opposition to the rate hikes, saying, “Duke Energy’s proposed rate hike is simply too high and comes as the company is also retreating on more affordable clean energy. At a time when families are struggling to make ends meet, we should be doing everything we can to make life more affordable, not less.”
Advocates argue that at a time when families are struggling to afford premiums, prescriptions, and medical bills, North Carolina needs leaders who will protect and expand access to care. Whatley’s record shows support for policies that would raise costs and weaken health care security for hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians.