When we are counting pennies, fearing layoffs or looking for work, watching crops die, or bills pile up, we often retreat and retrench, close others out. But to stare this down, to build the change we need, there’s no way we can do this but together.
Financial disclosures show that Whatley has earned over $219,660 from investments tied to oil and gas companies, including ConocoPhillips, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Devon Energy, and Shell. His total holdings in the sector are valued at up to $1.39 million.
Many North Carolinians are advocating against the harmful rate hikes by attending public hearings hosted by the Utilities Commission. The next in-person Utilities Commission public hearing will be in Morganton on April 28th.
Looking at a Duke Energy power bill, you wouldn’t see any mention of fuel prices. The extra charges get lumped in with a nonspecific line item. This vague language has caused a lot of confusion among customers who want to know why their electric bill can increase even when their usage goes down.
“Rural communities are the backbone of North Carolina, and it’s important that we hear directly from people across our state… These listening sessions help us focus our efforts and make smart investments in economic opportunity, infrastructure, education, and health care.”
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.