RALEIGH, N.C. — About two million Duke Energy customers incentral and western North Carolinawould face an average 6% rate increase if state regulators approve the country's largest electric company's request.
Duke Energy said Monday it needed another $290 million a year to recoup spending on grid upgrades, coal-ash cleanup, storm repairs and to increase its potential profit margin to 10.3%. The company also proposes recouping money faster for three coal-burning power plants, potentially leading to earlier closings.