Controversial rate hikes by Duke Energy Carolinas in 2009 and 2011 revealed a pattern of activity apparently designed to overcharge North Carolina electricity customers millions of dollars annually, energy watchdog group NC WARN said today. The group said Duke is either deliberately attempting to gouge ratepayers or suffers gross incompetence across its legal and accounting departments. It urged Attorney General Roy Cooper to take action.
See NC WARN’s letter to Attorney General Cooper and Public Staff’s Robert Gruber
Duke Energy & State Regulators
NC WARN regularly challenges Duke Energy to make a rapid transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy and energy efficiency. We intervene at the NC Utilities Commission in cases involving Duke’s rate increases and 15-year Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs). And we have repeatedly reached out directly to the corporation’s executives, seeking to collaborate with them on finding ways to avert climate catastrophe. A few examples are listed here.
Related:
- Check out the new coalition: Energy Justice NC: End the Duke Monopoly
- Duke Energy page on Energy & Policy Institute website
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Duke Energy Plans 20 Years of Rate Hikes, Climate Destruction, Risky Nukes – and Almost No Solar, Wind and Energy Savings – News Release from NC WARN
As Duke Energy continues its six-year PR campaign touting CEO Jim Rogers’ concerns about climate change and North Carolina’s economic health, long-range plans filed this month with state regulators contradict his professions. The plans reflect serial rate hikes to pay for an aggressive expansion of generating plants, and high carbon emissions for the next two decades.
Who is utility chair Finley? – The Triangle Business Journal
“There have been frustrations among public-interest groups; there have been concerns,” says Warren, who leads the North Carolina Waste Awareness and Reduction Network in Durham and is a frequent critic of utilities. “Any regulator in that situation has to work extra hard to remain impartial.”
Prominent Voice for the Poor Calls for an End to Rate Discrimination by Duke Energy – News Release from NC WARN
Law professor Gene Nichol supports NC WARN’s call for a stand-alone examination of Duke’s rate scheme that favors the world’s richest corporations.
Compel Duke Energy to Justify Billions in Planned Rate Hikes, Watchdogs Urge Regulators in Merger Case – News Release from NC WARN
Duke claims it doesn’t have to reveal merger costs to the public; NC WARN argues nuclear fleet corrections dwarf public benefits and were key reasons in CEO firing
Utility officials expected to hire investigators in Duke Energy review – The News & Observer
As the N.C. Utilities Commission’s investigation of Duke Energy enters its second week, the six political appointees who regulate the state’s electric utilities are expected to bring in outside investigators.
Good News: Consumer Coalition Thanks NC Legislature for No Action on Annual Rate Hikes Bill
Consumers Against Rate Hikes claims victory and thanks legislators as the 2012 legislative session closes without an Annual Rate Hikes Bill that would raise rates for electricity customers every year to build expensive, unnecessary nuclear plants.
Duke Energy Rigs Rates against Small Businesses and Families
Legal challenge filed against expansionist business model that gives huge breaks to “No jobs” Apple and Facebook by driving up rates on small customers for years to come.
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NC attorney general challenges Duke Energy rate increase – The Charlotte Observer
Attorney General Roy Cooper said Wednesday he will appeal the 7 percent N.C. rate hike Duke Energy won in January.
Duke’s Massive Rate Hikes Would Reward Rich Data Corporations on the Backs of Families and Businesses – News Release by NC WARN
NC WARN calls for denial of annual rate hikes and current 18.6% request that would leave small customers paying twice the rate of energy-hogging data centers.