Rally in Charlotte Against Duke Rate Hikes to Focus on Affordability Crisis — WEDNESDAY

A rally is set to take place in Charlotte on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, as residents and advocates gather to oppose Duke Energy’s proposed 18% increase in residential electricity bills across North Carolina. Organised by the Sierra Club and allied groups, the event will be held at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse ahead of a North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) hearing, where public testimony will be accepted regarding the rate hike. The proposed increase, expected to raise monthly bills by $23 to $30 for most households, has sparked concern amid ongoing national debates over utility affordability. Duke Energy’s request to the NCUC comes after the company reported nearly $5 billion in profits last year and seeks to elevate its profit margin to one of the highest in the country. The commission plans to hold 11 public comment hearings statewide before making a decision on the rate adjustment. Customers are encouraged to submit their feedback online or by mail, referencing specific docket numbers for Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress, ensuring their voices contribute to the regulatory process. The rally will feature a range of speakers and performers, including local musician Ali Steele and representatives from social justice and environmental organisations such as the Freedom Center for Social Justice, 7 Directions of Service, Sol Nation, and NC Beyond Coal. The event aims to highlight the affordability crisis exacerbated by rising utility costs and to mobilise community opposition to the proposed hikes. Visual elements such as banners and performances are planned to engage attendees and underscore the urgency of the issue. The Sierra Club, America’s largest grassroots environmental organisation, is leading the charge against the rate increase, emphasising the need for clean energy solutions that do not disproportionately burden consumers. Their involvement reflects broader concerns about the intersection of environmental advocacy and economic justice, particularly as energy costs continue to impact vulnerable populations. The outcome of the NCUC hearings will be closely watched, with significant implications for utility regulation and consumer protection in North Carolina.