Nearly 50,000 customers petition for Duke Energy audit after record-cold winter drove bills up
By Brian Shrader
Published on March 19, 2026.
Duke Energy customers are experiencing a significant increase in electric bills due to a record-breaking winter. Nearly 50,000 people have signed a petition calling for an audit of the company's billing system and refunds. The company attributes the increase to the cold weather experienced in January and February. Officials are planning a higher rate increase for 2027.
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