Governor Josh Stein has publicly opposed a proposed rate increase by Duke Energy, expressing concern about the impact on North Carolina residents. In a statement released Tuesday, Stein thanked Attorney General Jeff Jackson for taking action in the case and seeking to protect consumers from higher electricity bills.
“I am pleased that the North Carolina Department of Justice is fighting for the people of North Carolina,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Duke Energy’s proposed rate hike is simply too high and comes as the company is also retreating on more affordable clean energy. At a time when families are struggling to make ends meet, we should be doing everything we can to make life more affordable, not less. I will continue to fight on behalf of every North Carolinian to lower costs and grow the economy.”
Stein has previously worked to keep energy costs low in the state. Earlier this year, he vetoed Senate Bill 266 after independent research from both North Carolina State University and Duke University indicated it would raise utility expenses for state residents by $23 billion over several years. Despite his veto, the bill was enacted into law and shifted more of the electricity cost burden onto households rather than large industrial customers.
In August, Governor Stein signed Executive Order 23, which created the North Carolina Energy Policy Task Force. The group was formed to explore ways to maintain affordable utility rates while supporting economic growth and environmental goals amid rising demand for energy.
