Natural gas supply areas in Piedmont – (Source: Piedmont Natual Gas)
RALEIGH — If you live in one of the counties highlighted on this map, you could end up paying significantly more for natural gas.
A rate increase proposal submitted to the NC Utilities Commission would mean higher heating costs for about 737,000 residential customers this winter.
If approved, gas costs for private households would rise by an average of 15.3 percent annually from January 2025.
Piedmont Natural Gas, owned by Duke Energy, also requested an extension of the tax credits it receives under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which could further reduce the proposed rate adjustment.
Mike Olender, director of AARP North Carolina, said, “The public has an opportunity to comment on utility rate increase proposals, but this proposal has gone unnoticed so far. Seniors have been an important voice in public hearings to ensure that rate increases are fair and reasonable.”
According to WFAE in Charlotte, “State regulators met at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse on Wednesday evening (Aug. 22) to hear public comments on the proposed rate hike. They were met by an empty room – and ended the meeting after participants had introduced themselves.”
The court prohibited WFAE from recording the proceedings, citing guidelines regarding official court business.”
If you are concerned about the affordability of the natural gas you need to heat your home and for other purposes, state regulators a virtual meeting on Monday (26 August) at 18:30
If you are concerned about the impact of the interest rate hike, Customers can continue Submit comments on the proposed rate increase onlineReference number G-9, SUB 837.
