‘Drag Down Our Electric Bills’ rally and drag show to be held ahead of Duke Energy rate hike hearing in Durham

Durham, N.C. residents, elected officials, and advocates are set to host a "Drag Down Our Electric Bills" rally and drag show on Tuesday, May 12, ahead of a North Carolina Utilities Commission public hearing. The event, held at the Durham County Courthouse, aims to inform the public about the impact of data centers and proposed power plants on local electric bills. Duke Energy Carolinas is seeking permission to raise residential electric rates by up to 18% and is requesting a 10.95% return on equity. The utility has publicly stated that nearly 85% of the power from its proposed new methane gas power plants would be designated for speculative data centers. Critics argue that this increase will disproportionately affect low-income residents, the elderly, and small businesses. Durham City Councilman Nate Baker is scheduled to speak at the rally about efforts to keep costs down for city residents and a data center moratorium he introduced to the city council in April. Nadeen Bir of the Durham School Board will also address the gathering. The event will feature drag performances by Stormie Daie, Jeff Bozos, and (Pay My) Bills Gates, satirically calling on billionaires to pay their fair share. Advocates criticize Duke Energy's plans to extend the operation of coal plants and invest heavily in gas plants, proposing over 9 gigawatts of new gas infrastructure, despite the volatility of gas fuel costs contributing significantly to bill increases since 2017. They suggest investing in renewable energy sources like wind and solar instead.