Duke Energy faces growing regulatory and consumer opposition to proposed electricity rate increases across multiple states.
In Indiana, the state’s Utility Consumer Counselor filed an appeal to reverse a previously approved rate hike. The advocate accuses Duke Energy of overcharging ratepayers by more than $89 million.
In North Carolina, the company is seeking an 18% rate increase to fund massive grid infrastructure upgrades. These upgrades aim to meet surging electricity demand from large-scale data centers. Consumer and clean energy advocates have criticized the proposal.
The disputes highlight a broader sector challenge of balancing AI-driven capital investments with ratepayer affordability.