Hearing Scheduled on Duke Power Rate Increase in N.C.

RALEIGH — Duke Energy and attorneys representing North Carolina consumers say they’ve reached a deal that would raise customers’ average bills annually in the state for the next two years.The Charlotte-based utility and the consumer lawyers announced Tuesday a proposed settlement agreement that would phase in an 8 percent general rate increase over two years starting Jan. 1. But some agreed-to adjustments would lower the overall increase to 7 percent.

The North Carolina Utilities Commission has to sign off on the deal. A hearing on the matter is scheduled to begin Wednesday.

Robert Gruber with the commission’s Public Staff said the average residential customer would see their monthly bill increase by about $7 to $97.50. Duke hasn’t received a general rate increase since 1991.