Duke Energy Faces Renewable Energy, Rate Challenges

Duke Energy

Duke Energy Faces Scrutiny Over Renewable Energy Transition and Rate Hikes

Charlotte, NC – April 3, 2025 – Duke Energy, one of the largest electric power holding companies in the U.S., is under increasing scrutiny as it balances its transition to renewable energy with rising customer costs. The utility giant, which serves over 8 million customers across six states, has pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 but faces criticism over recent rate increases and its reliance on natural gas as a bridge fuel.

Renewable Energy Push Meets Resistance

Duke Energy has made significant strides in solar and wind energy investments, with plans to retire all coal plants by 2035. In its latest sustainability report, the company announced that 30% of its energy mix now comes from renewables, up from 10% a decade ago. However, environmental advocates argue that Duke is not moving fast enough to meet climate goals.

'While Duke’s commitment to renewables is commendable, their continued investment in natural gas plants locks in fossil fuel dependence for decades,' said Lisa Thompson, a spokesperson for the Sierra Club. 'Customers and the climate can’t afford these delays.'

Customers Feel the Pinch of Rising Rates

Meanwhile, Duke Energy’s recent rate hike approvals in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida have sparked backlash. Regulators approved a 12% increase in North Carolina earlier this year, citing grid modernization and storm resilience costs. Many residents, particularly low-income households, say the increases are unsustainable.

'My bill has gone up nearly $50 a month in the past two years,' said James Carter, a retiree from Raleigh. 'I support clean energy, but not at the expense of people struggling to pay their bills.'

Duke Energy defends the increases, stating they are necessary to fund infrastructure upgrades and the clean energy transition. 'We are working to keep costs as low as possible while ensuring reliability and meeting state and federal decarbonization mandates,' said spokesperson Randy Wheeless.

Regulatory and Legal Challenges

The company is also entangled in legal battles over its energy plans. In Florida, Duke’s subsidiary, Duke Energy Florida, recently settled a lawsuit with consumer advocates over its long-term energy strategy, agreeing to expand solar offerings. Meanwhile, in the Carolinas, regulators are reviewing Duke’s Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs) amid debates over the role of nuclear and battery storage in future energy portfolios.

What’s Next?

As pressure mounts from regulators, environmental groups, and customers, Duke Energy’s path forward remains complex. The company must navigate financial, technological, and political hurdles to meet its ambitious climate goals while keeping electricity affordable.

With federal clean energy incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) providing funding opportunities, Duke says it remains committed to a 'balanced and responsible' transition. However, whether that balance satisfies all stakeholders remains to be seen.

For now, millions of customers will be watching—and paying—as Duke Energy shapes the future of power in the Southeast.

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Duke Energy Faces Renewable Energy, Rate Challenges

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