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Groups call for regulators to block Duke rate increase
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Published: October 20, 2009
RALEIGH - Advocates for conservation and the poor want regulators to block or temper a proposed rate increase upon Duke Energy customers in North Carolina.
They spoke yesterday to the N.C. Utilities Commission on Duke Energy's request before a formal hearing later this week.
Duke Energy, based in Charlotte, asked in June to raise rates by an average of 12.6 percent. Consumer attorneys said that Duke deserves a 4.7 percent increase. Duke hasn't had a general rate increase in the state in 18 years.
A proposed compromise could be unveiled today.
Dan Conrad with the N.C. Conservation Network said that Duke shouldn't be rewarded while it keeps investing in coal-fired plants. Al Ripley with the N.C. Justice Center said that higher rates would hurt families living in poverty.
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