Duke Energy Carolinas reaches agreement, proposed 3.7% increase

Duke Energy Carolinas has reached a deal with regulators that could see a 3.7% rate increase starting in January 2027, pending approval from the North Carolina Utilities Commission. This proposed hike could affect customers' monthly bills and is likely to be mirrored by Duke Energy Progress. While rate increases are not uncommon, this one comes at a time when energy costs are already a significant concern for many households, highlighting the ongoing tension between utility profitability and consumer affordability.