Duke Energy deals double whammy to its poorest North Carolina customers

Duke Energy customers in North Carolina are facing two changes at once. The company has proposed raising residential rates by about 9.5% over two years, which would add roughly $10 a month to the average bill starting in January. At the same time, a separate program that has given low-income households a $42 monthly bill credit is set to expire December 31, with no replacement announced.

That credit, called the Customer Assistance Program, has automatically gone to about 80,000 households enrolled in one of two federal aid programs: the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program or the Crisis Intervention Program, both for households earning at or below 150% of the federal poverty level (about $50,000 for a family of four). Recipients also got referrals to free weatherization help, such as insulation, air sealing (closing gaps around windows, doors, and other leaks), and equipment upgrades, which can cut bills by half or more. Duke has not asked state regulators to make the credit permanent, and a spokesperson said any decision rests with the North Carolina Utilities Commission. Separately, Duke shareholders have agreed to put $20 million toward bill help and home repairs like roofing, but that money is not tied to the expiring credit program.

If you get help through LIEAP or the Crisis Intervention Program in North Carolina, this is worth watching, since your monthly credit could disappear right as rates go up. It may be worth checking with your state or local energy assistance office about what support will still be available after December.