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Duke Energy rates to go up 7 percent

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Comments (7)

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

(Updated 5:42 pm)

By
Associated Press

RALEIGH (AP) — 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 today 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 N.C. 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 a monthly increase of about $7, to $97.50. Duke hasn't received a general rate increase since 1991.

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jeaniegnc

October 20, 2009 - 2:59 pm EDT

How thoughtful of Duke Energy to increase their rates on people who are having such a difficult time making ends meet. A lot of people are out of work and many have lost their homes so I guess the only thing they know to do is charge us more for an essential service.

yanceyville

October 20, 2009 - 3:24 pm EDT

I would like to know who these average residential customers are. I can't remember when I've seen a bill as low as $97.50 and I live alone in a small house.

thestatelottery

October 20, 2009 - 3:52 pm EDT

Yeah, I agree. That number seems way too low for an average power bill.

connieohyeah

October 20, 2009 - 4:25 pm EDT

If you complain about this rate increase you have to complain about NC's tax increases, too, so Democrats I guess you have to celebrate paying more for electricity like you celebrated winning your elections.

Doug Johnson

October 20, 2009 - 9:01 pm EDT

Where was all the complaints when Perdue raised taxes.
NC has raised taxes regular ever non election year for as long as I can remember!
This is Duke first increase in about 10 years.
I can cut back back on my electric use.
I can not cut on Purdue waste and fraud.
However you can read about it, but not in the liberal media in NC.
How many of you know about Purdue crap pot sham?
How many of you know about her involvement in the Parton Theater?
The papers in NC should hire someone to print a article called what you need to know and our reporters will not tell you.. Guarantee that would sell papers, thus increasing ad revenue.

naynay

October 20, 2009 - 10:47 pm EDT

Connie, thanks for the laugh. When your car hits a speedbump, it must be the fault of the "left", huh? Is it the Democrats' fault that you are so bitter? Every day I am reminded of how glad I am to see your team lose over and over.
Where WAS all them complaintses, Doug? I might be too liberal, but I can't understand sentences like "However you can read about it, but not in the liberal media in NC." I don't even want to know what you mean because it sounds like another sore, whiny, bitter loser who is still butt-hurt about being a Republican. How about this: Save your rants until you have managed to get a GED and then come back to the internet and then you can explain to us how the government works.