Utility bills News and Reporting Coverage | WRAL

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Duke Energy's rate hike runaround

Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026-- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist

Growing population pushes demand for heat; conserve to help keep grid online

Utility companies asked customers to keep the thermostat low and reduce power use in the early morning Monday when cold temperatures were expected to spike demand for heat.

5 On Your Side: Money-saving kitchen tips

Consumer Reports experts share some easy kitchen fixes that will help you save big with just a few small changes.

Simple fixes to smart home tech items could help save money

Smart tech in your home could be draining your wallet, but these simple tips will save you money.

Duke Energy '2025 Carolinas' plan includes more gas, delayed coal retirements

Duke Energy's new 15-year plan extends coal, adds more gas, and slows solar after NC scrapped its 2030 carbon mandate, raising questions about climate progress.

Big tech's AI data centers are driving up electricity bills for everyone

Just a few years ago, tech companies were minor players in energy, making investments in solar and wind farms to rein in their growing carbon footprints and placate customers concerned about climate change. But now they are changing the face of the U.S. power industry and blurring the line between energy consumer and energy producer.

Ivan Penn and Karen Weise, New York Times

Duke Energy wants to merge Carolinas operations, claims it could save customers over $1 billion

Duke Energy has proposed a merger of its two utilities in the Carolinas, aiming to save customers over $1 billion by 2038.

State Senate set to consider veto override for Duke Energy Bill this week

A Duke study says axing North Carolina's 70% climate goal could add $23 billion to fuel bills by 2050. Other analyses predict 50,700 lost jobs. Lawmakers are expected to vote this week on SB 266 override.

Duke study: Scrapping carbon goal could add $23 billion to NC power bills

A Duke study says axing North Carolina's 70% climate goal could add $23 billion to fuel bills by 2050. Other analyses predict 50,700 lost jobs. Lawmakers are expected to vote this week on SB 266 override.

Enbridge Gas seeking double-digit rate increase this fall

The proposed rate increase would take effect in November. However, the proposal is subject to several public meetings before the North Carolina Utilities Commission.

Hillsborough leaders share update on efforts to restore water and sewer services

The town of Hillsborough shared an update with residents on efforts to restore water and sewer services.

Enbridge Gas proposes 12.37% rate increase for NC residents

The proposed rate increase would take effect in November. However, the proposal is subject to several public meetings before the North Carolina Utilities Commission.

WRAL Staff

Scientists: Stop Duke fossil fuel expansion

More than 60 scientists are urging Gov. Josh Stein to oppose Duke Energy's fossil fuel expansion and push for clean energy, citing rising climate and health risks in North Carolina.

Water problems persist in Franklin County's Lake Royale

Outages, boil orders and fluctuating water pressure are issues people in the Lake Royale community said have persisted for years.

Residents worry about Franklin County water; provider promises improvements in 2026

Outages, boil orders and fluctuating water pressure are issues people in the Lake Royale community said have persisted for years.

High energy bills: Apex mayor vows to improve communication, find answers

As Apex residents complain of high utility bills, Mayor Jacques Gilbert is vowing to get answers and improve communication.

Apex undergoing independent review of utility bills after cybersecurity attack

The Town of Apex in conjunction with a review firm is reviewing utility bills after a cybersecurity attack in July 2024.

Do your part to keep power on when cold snap hits

As a bitter cold front sweeps through North Carolina, Duke Energy is bracing for increased strain on the power grid while assuring customers that they're better equipped than ever to handle the challenges ahead.

When it gets this cold, everyone can help keep power pumping

Simple adjustments in your home -- like lowering thermostats, sealing drafty windows and turning off unused electronics -- can reduce energy consumption and ease strain on the grid.

Good news: Lower bills for Duke Energy customers due to falling fuel prices

Thanks to falling fuel prices, Duke Energy customers will see lower rates in December and January.

Duke wants bonds, customers to pay for Helene damage

Duke Energy customers would see an additional storm recovery rider charge on their bills starting late in 2025 or early in 2026.

Duke Energy bills likely to go up to pay for Helene recovery

Duke Energy tells 5 On Your Side that later this year, they will ask the North Carolina Utilities Commission to let them issue storm bonds for Hurricane Helene and other storm related costs from 2020 to 2024.

WRAL staff

Apex bringing utility bills back in line

The highest utility use combined with a problem reading meters, leading to unexpected bills for Apex residents.

Apex mayor says independent party being brought into review extremely high billing issues

Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert announced on Tuesday that the town would be conducting an independent review of its recent utility bills following a wave of complaints from residents about unexpectedly high charges.

WRAL Staff

Apex cyberattack causes miscommunication in utility bills

Last week, Apex residents experienced sticker shock after opening their utility bills, some three times higher than they expected.