RALEIGH, N.C. (WHKY) — North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson is opposing Duke Energy’s proposed residential rate increase, saying the utility’s revised request still asks customers to pay too much.

Duke Energy recently reduced its proposed increase from approximately 18 percent to a cumulative 9.5 percent over two years for residential customers. Under the revised proposal, residential rates would increase by 5.9 percent in the first year and 3.6 percent in the second if approved by the North Carolina Utilities Commission.

Jackson said his office conducted an independent analysis and believes Duke Energy can significantly reduce the proposed increase while still meeting electricity demand. He also argued residential customers are being asked to shoulder too much of the increase compared to industrial users.

Governor Josh Stein also criticized the proposal, saying large energy users, including data centers, should pay a greater share of electricity costs instead of shifting the burden to residential customers.

Duke Energy defended the proposal, saying it already reduced its requested increase and remains committed to providing reliable electricity while investing in infrastructure. The company also said large-load customers, including data centers, already pay the costs required to serve them and contribute additional revenue that helps reduce costs for other customers.

The proposal still requires approval from the North Carolina Utilities Commission before taking effect. If approved, the new residential rates would begin January 1.

Environmental groups welcomed Jackson’s opposition, saying the debate highlights the need for additional oversight as North Carolina experiences rapid growth in electricity demand.