“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.”
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.
“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.”
There is an affordability crisis in North Carolina, and Duke Energy is making it worse. North Carolinians should not have to choose between putting food on the table and paying their high utility bill due to rate hikes.
“Generating power at giant plants far away and transmitting it across long lines is inefficient and extremely vulnerable,” economic and community development specialist Ian Baillie said. “If we generate power inside communities and keep the distribution inside those communities, outages affect smaller areas and are easier to fix.”
Indigenous communities, environmental advocates, and national groups are raising concerns over planned pipeline projects that could threaten a major waterway in North Carolina.
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.
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.
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.
The grants include $24 million for mitigation projects and $16 million for volunteer rebuilding efforts, in order to help the region with long-term recovery efforts and help communities there better withstand future natural disasters.