Questions about Whatley’s ties to the utility company go beyond his investments. Recent reporting found that he spent more than a decade lobbying for utility companies, including Duke Energy, and arguing in favor of rate increases.
“The first round of tariffs already cost North Carolina $3.5 billion, and the latest round was on track to cost families up to $1,300 this year,” said Jackson. “That’s a lot of money. Throwing out these tariffs keeps that money in people’s pockets for food, gas, rent, and medicine.”
“We’re extremely disappointed, although not surprised,” said Terry Bravas, a Lake Norman-area resident. “This decision is a complete abdication of the utility commission’s responsibility and, in my judgment, a demonstration of a lack of integrity by the commissioners and the public staff.”
The rally featured drag performances by Naomi Dix, Pay My Bills Gates, and Jeff Bozos, followed by a rate hike hearing at the courthouse where community members had the opportunity to speak about the damaging effects of high utility bills and Duke Energy’s 18% rate hike request.
“People want to live and work here, but we simply do not have enough homes to meet that growing demand,” Stein said. “Housing is the single biggest expense that most families face, so if somebody’s rent or mortgage takes up too much of their monthly paycheck, that means that they have that much less to spend on other essentials.”
Earls criticized the Court’s majority for largely accepting the Utilities Commission’s conclusions without closely examining whether the rate increases were justified under state law.
Recent reporting detailed how rising global oil prices tied to the war in Iran have increased the value of Michael Whatley’s oil and gas holdings by as much as $219,660.
In an age of healthcare advancements, and in a state where growth and opportunities seem readily available, many of the state’s communities are simply being left behind.
To see the real impacts of Trump’s tariffs on hardworking Americans, journalist Alyssa Burr spoke with two small business owners in Asheville and Raleigh.
“Enfield is showing how rural communities can lead the clean energy transition,” said Jill Fuglister of BuildUS. “By aligning infrastructure upgrades, geothermal technology, and workforce development for the local community, this project demonstrates an equitable model that other towns can follow.”