1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

I am writing as a concerned North Carolina resident and Duke Energy customer regarding the proposed electricity rate increases. These hikes, projected at 15 to 18 percent, come after bills have already risen roughly 22 percent since 2020. Many residents, including myself, could face severe financial hardship or risk losing our homes if these increases are approved. While I understand the need for utilities to maintain infrastructure and provide reliable service, these costs should not fall unfairly on customers who are least able to pay. The scale of these proposed increases and their cumulative effect on vulnerable households deserves careful oversight and consumer protection. I urge you to work with state leaders to ensure rate structures are fair and affordable, support programs that prevent utility-related financial crises, and protect households struggling to meet essential energy costs. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter and your leadership in protecting North Carolina residents.