RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Duke Energy Carolinas is seeking permission to raise electricity bills on its nearly 2 million North Carolina customers by almost 10 percent more.
The request to state regulators by the operating subsidiary of Charlotte-based Duke Energy Corp. would be the utility's third since 2009 as it builds and upgrades power plants, transmission lines and pollution controls.
Duke Energy said it expects to make its case for a 9.7 percent rate increase to the North Carolina Utilities Commission in July. The higher rates would likely go in effect in September if regulators approve.
North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper has been fighting a 7.2 percent increase approved last year. A ruling by the state Supreme Court is expected shortly. Duke Energy initially sought a 17 percent increase in that case.
