WEDNESDAY: Rally in Charlotte Against Duke Rate Hikes to Focus on Affordability Crisis

Charlotte, NC -- On Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 5:30 PM , dozens of concerned residents are expected to join advocates in the courtyard of Mecklenburg County Courthouse for a rally in response to Duke Energy's request to increase residential customers' bills in North Carolina by about 18%. The rally, organized by the Sierra Club and its partners, will precede a North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) hearing where commissioners will accept public testimony about the increase. The Duke Energy request comes at a time when affordability and utility costs dominate the national discourse.

WHAT : Rally for Affordable Utility Rates
WHEN: Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 5:30 PM
WHERE: Mecklenburg County Courthouse, 832 E 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

WHO :

• Ali Steele, Local Musician
• Rev. Corinne Mack, Speaker
• Cameron Pruitt, Freedom Center for Social Justice
• Krystal Cavalier, 7 Directions of Service
• Tiffany Fant, Sol Nation
• Olive Burress, NC Beyond Coal Campaign Organizer, Sierra Club

VISUALS : The event will open with a performance from Ali Steele followed by speakers at a podium up front. Then performers from GreenFaith will debut a brief skit before another round of music. There will be banners behind the podium with an expected attendance of 40+ people.

BACKGROUND: Duke Energy is requesting to increase NC residential customers' bills about 18% by 2028. This would mean a $23-$30 increase in monthly bills for most households, though it could be higher for some. Duke Energy needs approval from the NCUC to increase our rates. The NCUC will hold 11 public comment hearings across the state to hear from Duke customers about the proposed bill increase before making their decision, including the hearing on Wednesday.

Duke profited nearly $5 billion last year. Now, it wants the NCUC to approve an increase to its profit margin to one of the 5 highest in the country. For reference, interested parties can use this tool from Energy & Policy Institute to calculate how much of their utility bill goes to company profits.

Duke Ratepayers may submit comments to the NCUC online here using "Docket Number E-7, SUB 1329" for Duke Energy Carolinas customers or "Docket Number E-2, SUB 1380" for Duke Energy Progress. Written comments can also be mailed to 4325 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-4300.