North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has expressed opposition to Duke Energy’s proposed rate increase, joining Attorney General Jeff Jackson in objecting to the utility company’s plan. In a public statement, Stein cited concerns about the financial impact the rate hike could have on families across the state.
In an official statement, Governor Josh Stein said the North Carolina Department of Justice is representing the interests of state residents in opposing the rate increase. He noted that Duke Energy’s proposed hike is significant and coincides with the company scaling back on more affordable clean energy options. Stein emphasized the importance of keeping energy costs manageable for families and highlighted his ongoing efforts to maintain lower utility rates for North Carolina residents.
Earlier this year, Governor Stein used his veto power against Senate Bill 266, expressing concerns raised by researchers at North Carolina State University and Duke University. Their studies indicated that the law, which went into effect despite the veto, could result in an additional $23 billion in costs for North Carolina ratepayers.
In response to growing concerns about the state’s energy infrastructure, Governor Stein issued Executive Order 23, creating the North Carolina Energy Policy Task Force. According to the Office of the Governor, the task force is charged with identifying strategies to manage utility costs while supporting the state’s environmental and economic objectives. The initiative aims to strengthen North Carolina’s ability to meet future energy needs without imposing excessive financial burdens on residents.
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