Duke Energy Seeks Rate Hikes Amid AI Data Center Surge

Data centers are driving 80% of anticipated electricity demand growth through 2030 in the coverage area of Duke Energy, despite representing only 30% of economic-development projects in North and South Carolina. To meet this surge, Duke Energy Carolinas has petitioned for rate increases that could raise typical residential monthly bills from $143 to $168 by 2028.

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson has challenged the utility's reporting, accusing Duke Energy Progress of understating the impact of a rate settlement. Jackson argues that residential costs would actually rise by 9.3% rather than the 6.8% reported by the company.

Public opposition to AI infrastructure is growing across the region. In Raleigh, protesters gathered against the North Carolina AI Leadership Council's strategic road map. Meanwhile, in Richmond County, residents and the Southern Environmental Law Center are challenging air-permit applications for a proposed $10 billion Amazon AI and cloud-computing campus. Critics warn that the project's requirement for 645 diesel-fired generators poses significant health risks to vulnerable populations.